Peaceful end of life in an unviable newborn: A case report

Abstract

The limit of viability is a period of uncertainty regarding the prognosis and treatment, where palliative care (PC) is important to dignify death, although, in several countries, they are not implemented as in Colombia. The peculiarities of newborns make PC differ from care at other stages of life and which are rarely accepted by professionals who consider them overwhelming. The case of a newborn of 23 weeks of gestation is exposed where nursing care is revealed to the newborn and his family according to the theory of the peaceful end of life (PEL). The theory of the PEL is useful in the development of neonatal PC, which must be differentiated, improving well-being, and family support. Furthermore, health systems must recognize emotional risks for professionals.