Ethical problems identified by nurses in relation to patients in critical condition

Abstract

This article presents an identification and analysis of ethical issues identified by nurses in relation to patients in a critical condition, who are at imminent risk of death and whose survival depends on advanced means of surveillance, monitoring and therapy. The main ethical concerns are providing information to the client, end of life monitoring, professional liability in interdependent interventions; themes related to the decisions of the patient (consent to/refusal of therapeutic treatment), information dilemmas, action to be taken during the processes of dying and with regard to do not resuscitate orders, and respect for human rights in unfavorable situations. The present study considers the importance of a sense of responsibility and of protecting the individual at risk, the influence of moral conscience in decision-making, and professional experiences when overcoming challenges. Finally, mediating factors in the management of ethical difficulties are identified.