Mr. Smith worries about becoming a burden to his wife, who is recovering from cancer and dealing with medical debt. What is the best first step the care team should take?

• Encourage him to choose hospice care

• Suggest a nursing home immediately

• Talk with him and his family about what matters most to them

• Remind him that Medicare will help cover the costs

Mr. Smith’s son, Aiden, offers to move home to help care for his father, even though he has major student loans and a full-time job. What should the team consider when making a care plan?

• Aiden’s medical training

• The pressure Aiden might feel and how it could affect him

• Whether Aiden has caregiving experience

• How far is Aiden willing to move

The care team meets to talk about Mr. Smith’s care options and how they might affect his wife and kids. What step are they taking in making an ethical decision?

• Choosing the least expensive option

• Gathering facts and listening to everyone’s concerns

• Following hospital policy

• Deciding who will take charge

Mr. Smith says he wants to stay at home if it doesn’t cause too much trouble for his family. What is most important for the team to do next?

• Arrange for him to go to a nursing home

• Help the family talk openly about what they can and can’t manage

RaeLynn, Mr. Smith’s daughter, says she feels guilty for not being closer to help. What should the care team do in response?

• Tell her not to worry about it

• Acknowledge her feelings and help her stay involved in ways that work for her

• Ask her to take time off work

• Suggest she talk to her siblings

When the therapist gives her honest opinion but also says she’ll support whatever Mr. Smith chooses, what value is she showing?

• Efficiency

• Respect for Mr. Smith’s right to decide

• Agreement with the family

• Disagreement with the care plan

The family and team consider how each care option might affect everyone, including cost and emotional impact. What are they doing?

• Choosing the most convenient plan

• Delegating decisions to Mr. Smith’s wife

• Thinking through the pros and cons of each option

• Avoiding family conflict

The team explains the care choices clearly and answers every question Mr. Smith and his family have. Why is this important?

• To avoid complaints later

• So Mr. Smith can make a truly informed choice

The family and team agree on a plan, but they also decide to check in again after a few weeks. What does this show about their approach?

• They’re unsure about the plan

• They expect changes

• They want to make sure the plan is still working

• They’re trying to avoid responsibility

Everyone involved, Mr. Smith, his family, and the care team, shares their thoughts and works together on a final decision. What kind of approach is this?

• Professional-only decision-making

• Shared decision-making that includes the patient and family

• Family-led planning

• Caregiver delegation