Recognizing “diagnostic futility” ‐ stopping earlier to protect patients

Mr. H, an 86-year-old man residing in an assisted living facility, was admitted to the hospital with status epilepticus. Over the course of 2 weeks, he was intubated and extubated three times, never regaining his pre-hospitalization mental status. At best, when extubated and after discontinuation of sedatives, he was able to say his name and answer simple yes or no questions. A comprehensive evaluation to elucidate the cause of his mental status...