Question

The patient has been on and off of life support for a few months. Initially, the patient wanted every effort made to stay alive. In the past few weeks the patient has lost consciousness and cannot make decisions. The medical community is in agreement that recovery is not possible. The patient has no living will. You are the next of kin--what decision would you make in this case; Would you withdraw support or continue? Explain.

Answer 1

No, as a nurse we cannot withdraw the support of the patient,

if a client does not have a "do not resucitate order", health care personnel need to make every effort to revive the client.

DNR protocols may vary state to state, and it is important for the nurse to know his or her state's protocol.

find out any advance directives from the patient, if yes, the nurse ensure that the physician is aware of the presence of an advance directive.

if there is no advance directives from the patient, the nurse/ the physician can generally look to the clients family,friends or clergy for decisions about further care. if the medical center unable to locate any family they may ask to courts to appoint aguardian for making decisions.

the events must be documented.