Reflections of a critical care nurse regarding termination of life-sustaining support

Abstract

Prolongation of life is expected nowadays because of advances in technology and medical treatment. This paper presents a case study based discussion around the ethics of withdrawal of life support.Death of a child is often regarded as the most painful, stressful, and enduring bereavement experience.If life-sustaining support causes more harm than benefit for the patient, then healthcare professionals may be justified in suggesting the withholding or withdrawal of treatment.The best ways that healthcare professionals can support a grieving family are by offering a non-judgmental, deep sense of caring and personal involvement.In order to provide high-quality care to patients and their families during the transition at the end-of-life, nurses should promote comfort, communicate effectively and compassionately, assess and treat multiple dimensions, and assist patients, and patients' families ability to cope with suffering, grief, loss, and bereavement.