title: Ethical issues in caring for patients who have suffered water-related injuries.
abstract: A person who has suffered a water-related injury is vulnerable and most likely in need of the most astute emergency and supportive medical and nursing care available. Caring for these persons from a medical and nursing perspective is challenging and additionally complicated by numerous ethical dilemmas. This article has reviewed the salient issues associated with informed consent, the erroneous perceptions frequently associated with ordinary and extraordinary treatment and the withholding and withdrawing of treatment, as well as the importance of the nurse as a patient advocate. The hallmark of effective ethical decision making about life-supportive treatment is the mutually interactive process of communication that assists patients and their families to make informed, voluntary, and competent decisions that are reflective of their values. This process of empowering the patient and family is the foundation of the role of the nurse as a patient's advocate. It is hoped that your interest in bioethics has been sparked, your understanding of these areas clarified, your decision-making skills strengthened, and your caring for people enhanced.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Uustal
mesh_terms: D032882:Comprehension; D003422:Critical Care / Q000592:standards*; D030881:Disclosure; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000592:standards; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000451:nursing*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012380:Role; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D028761:Withholding Treatment