End Of Life Decisions: A Case Study

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Death and dying is a very sensitive subject in everyday life, while in the healthcare setting many RN are faced with uncomfortable decisions and dilemmas when trying to be both patients and family advocates. There are many situations or conditions that will cause death spite of treatment to the right choice. In these cases, patients can decide what they want and do not want. They can decide to choose aggressive treatment to prolong their life or stop treatment which dying sooner but more comfortably. What is the role of the RN caring for patients who are to make end of life decision?
According to the American nurse associate (2014), RNs has many responsibilities such as providing health promotion, teaching, educating and advocating for patients in a daily basis. They also have the responsibilities in supervising LPN and CNA, s providing care for patients. And in some other practices RNs also play the role of nurse researchers in other to improve patient care outcome (ANA, 2015). Above all Nurses are involve when it comes to patients and families trying to make a decision on continue treatment or
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Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders were initiated as a method to give competent patients the chance to determine under what circumstances they still chose life.(Vicki Luchman, 2010). According to the American Nurse Associate, Nurses have the duty to educate patients and families about the realities of CPR and DNR. That will help to clarify potential confusions that the patients may have. Nurses can support patients in clearly identifying goals of care and desired cognitive and functional ability, as well as weighing the benefits and burdens of recommended interventions. The code of ethics for nurses (ANA, 2009) specifically identified nurse’ obligations in supporting a patient’s interests and rights to self-determination, as well as those of the

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