Do not resuscitate: an ethical dilemma for the decision-maker.
Br J Nurs
; 7(9): 543-9, 1998.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9735712
ABSTRACT
Since its introduction in the 1960s, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been universally available to all hospital patients unless the consultant in charge has specified a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order. The public perception of CPR has tended to be one of overoptimism, but this is not matched by the low survival to discharge ratio of approximately 110. In addition, there is the risk of prolonging suffering, compared with the quick and relatively painfree alternative offered by cardiac arrest. Decisions about resuscitation pose many ethical dilemmas for those involved and should take into consideration the patient's wishes, prognosis and quality of life.
Key words
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Resuscitation Orders
/
Decision Making
/
Ethics, Medical
Aspects:
Ethics
/
Patient_preference
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Br J Nurs
Year:
1998
Document type:
Article