C

Capacity

Capacity refers to the ability of a person to take in information, understand its meaning and make an informed decision using the information. Capacity can vary by task. The capacity to choose a trusted individual as an appropriate Health Care Agent differs from the capacity to agree to a medical procedure or treatment.

Comfort measures

Comfort measures are medical care and treatment provided with the primary goal of relieving pain and other symptoms and reducing suffering. Reasonable measures will be made to offer food and fluids by mouth. Medication, turning in bed, wound care and other measures may be used to relieve pain and suffering. Oxygen, suctioning and manual treatment of airway obstruction will be used as needed for comfort. Generally considered the opposite of ‘heroic measures’ (see below for definition).

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a group of treatments used when a person’s heart and/or breathing stops. CPR is used in an attempt to restart the heart and breathing. It may consist only of mouth-to-mouth breathing or it can include pressing on the chest to mimic the heart’s function and cause blood to circulate. Electric shock and drugs also are used frequently to stimulate the heart.