In end-of-life care, nutrition should be provided according to whose wishes?

• A. The physician's preference.
• B. The family's preference.
• C. The hospital's standard diet.
• D. The patient's wishes.

Answer: (D)

Respecting the patient’s wishes guides nutrition at the end of life. When a patient can communicate, their preferences about feeding—whether to continue, modify, or withdraw artificial nutrition—should determine the care plan, so choices align with their goals, comfort, and dignity. If the patient cannot express their wishes, decisions follow any advance directives or a legally authorized surrogate who knows what the patient would have wanted. Family input helps understand values, but it does not override the patient’s own choices. The medical team informs and supports options, yet the patient’s preferences take precedence.