title: Medical futility: interpretation and ethical ramifications for the perioperative nurse.
abstract: When is enough "enough" and who decides? The term futility is replete with ambiguity and controversy. By examining the definition and interpretation of futility, perioperative health care providers may be better able to avoid the ethical hazards inherent to the concept.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schroeter
mesh_terms: D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D018447:Medical Futility; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D028761:Withholding Treatment