Decision Aid

What is Artificial Hydration?

Artificial hydration is a medical treatment that gives water and sometimes salt for the body. This is done when a person is not able to drink enough on their own or when they have problems swallowing.

What is CPR? 

CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) is an attempt to re-start a person’s heart. This is done when the heart has stopped beating or cannot pump blood.

What is Tube-Feeding or artificial nutrition?

Tube feeding (also called artificial nutrition) is a medical treatment that provides liquid food (nutrition) to the body. This is done when a person cannot eat enough by mouth or they have problems swallowing

What is a Ventilator ?

A ventilator (also called a breathing machine) does the work for the lungs when someone is unable to breathe on their own. A ventilator is often used while a person is asleep (under anesthesia) for surgery.