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Terminating nutrition and hydration from patients in persistent vegetative states
1School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.)
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Neuroscience nurses experience significant stress, particularly when managing the termination of nourishment for patients in persistent vegetative states. This paper offers recommendations to help nurses cope with this challenging aspect of care.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience Nursing
- Palliative Care
- Bioethics
Background:
- Personal stress is a primary concern for neuroscience nurses (NNs) caring for patients in persistent vegetative states (PVS).
- External factors significantly contribute to the stress experienced by NNs.
- The termination of nourishment is a critical and stressful aspect of care that NNs can influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the sources of personal stress for neuroscience nurses caring for PVS patients.
- To examine the role of terminating nourishment in nursing stress.
- To provide recommendations for managing stress related to nourishment termination.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nursing stress and end-of-life care in PVS.
- Analysis of the societal significance of food and its impact on care decisions.
- Development of coping strategies for neuroscience nurses.
Main Results:
- Personal stress is the most significant issue for NNs in PVS care.
- Factors outside nursing practice contribute to NN stress.
- Managing nourishment termination is an influential factor for NNs' stress levels.
Conclusions:
- Addressing nourishment termination strategies can alleviate nursing stress.
- Understanding the societal role of food is crucial for ethical care.
- Recommendations are provided to support NNs in managing end-of-life care decisions.
Keywords:
Death and Euthanasia