Do-not-resuscitate orders in the OR--suspend or enforce?
Retaining self-determination about medical care is a basic patient right. Advance directives (e.g., living wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies) are becoming more common in today's health care settings, including the OR. Perioperative personnel should be aware of and respect these documents and the patient's wishes--without compromising their own morals or ethics.
White Plains Hospital Center, White Plains, NY, USA.
Susan
S
Goldberg
D000574:American Medical Association; D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016414:Resuscitation Orders; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States