In conversations, people may use other terms depending on the context, such as "a Hail Mary situation" to emphasize the desperate needs for such treatment.
[1] While CPR can be considered a standard of care in the healthcare setting, it is often seen as a last-ditch attempt to save a person's life in an emergency.
For example, persons with diabetes are at risk of nerve damage if they consistently have high blood sugar.
For example, some common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation include: fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, skin changes, and more.
[10] Often when people with cancer find that experimental chemotherapies are unsuccessful, end-of-life planning begins to start since that is usually the last line of resort for the person.
There are many factors that individuals, families, and healthcare teams must consider when choosing a treatment plan for end-of-life care.
[15] Overall, this raises questions and concerns regarding the cost of a person's life and if this is a factor that should be taken into consideration during end-of-life planning.
[16][17] The considerations regarding the use of heroic measures can be even more difficult to decide on when the individual receiving care is a child.
In cases where a minor is old enough and competent, they should be involved in the decision-making process to the best of their ability with parents and healthcare providers respecting the decisions of the child.