Desperate for a solution, I went down the hall to my computer, and fired up ChatGPT-4. Typing in:
“Explain why you would not give IV fluids to someone with severe pulmonary edema and respiratory distress even though you might be concerned that the patient is dehydrated. Explain it in simple and compassionate terms so that a confused person who cares about their mother can understand.”
Within seconds, ChatGPT produced this:
I truly understand how much you care for your mother, and it’s natural to feel concerned about her well-being.
In cases of severe pulmonary edema and respiratory distress, it might seem like giving IV fluids would help with hydration, but it could actually make her condition worse.
When someone has pulmonary edema, their lungs are filled with excess fluid, which makes breathing difficult. If we were to give your mother IV fluids, it could potentially increase the fluid in her lungs, making it even harder for her to breathe and causing her more discomfort.
Our primary goal is to ensure your mother’s comfort and well-being. The medical team is dedicated to providing the best possible care for her, and they will closely monitor her hydration levels while using other treatments that are more appropriate for her specific condition.
Please know that your mother’s health and comfort are our top priorities, and we are here to support both of you during this difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the medical team.
We are all in this together, and we’ll do everything we can to help your mother recover.
I printed this response up, and read it to the concerned family. As I recited ChatGPT’s words, their agitated expressions immediately melted into calm agreeability.
Even better, I handed the printed copy to the nurse. While the patient was waiting for an ICU bed, the family would frequently return to the nurse to ask about IV fluids (some members may have been struggling with memory impairment), and he’d read the script to them. It always received a warm reception.