title: Issues at the end of life.
abstract: A recent study by David Asch reported in the New England Journal of Medicine has intensified discussions about euthanasia and assisted suicide. That investigation has prompted nurses and other health care providers to raise questions about what is appropriate care for dying patients. To that end, this article provides an overview of relevant issues for nurses to consider when patients are at the end of life: quality of life, suffering, pain management, double effect, respect for autonomy, and trust and nonabandonment. Understanding these issues and enhancing communication between and among all relevant individuals when treatment decisions are being made will enable nurses to provide appropriate patient care at the end of life.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Erlen
mesh_terms: D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011788:Quality of Life; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology