Brain stem testing your patient: would you invite the relatives to be present?
Brain stem death can be a very difficult concept for relatives of the patient to comprehend. The presence of relatives during brain stem testing could be beneficial for their longer term ability to come to terms with the situation. Nurses need to place greater emphasis on communication with patients' relatives to support them effectively during the entire process.
Remijn
M
M
Intensive Care Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust. marcel@mremijn.fsnet.co.uk
D000328:Adult; D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001933:Brain Stem; D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011368:Professional-Family Relations