Ethical principles in conflict for the RN in end of life care and withdrawal of life support

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Scenario:

A 70 year-old patient has experienced a devastating stroke and is comatose in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. A family meeting was held. The hospital physician explained the irreversible damage to the brain, and discussed end of life care and withdrawal of life support. Family members acknowledge understanding and return to the patient’s room. As the RN was preparing to enter the room a family member is overheard to say, “Mom always said she didn’t want to be attached to a bunch of machines.” Another family member replies, “Don’t tell anyone she signed forms on the last admission, I don’t think we should take her off life support.”

Initial Discussion Post:

Address the following:

  • Describe two (2) ethical principles in conflict for the RN in the scenario.
  • What should the RN do in this scenario?
  • Refer to the 2015 American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics to resolve this dilemma. Provide a rationale that goes beyond your personal opinion.

Base your initial post on your readings and research of this topic. Your initial post must contain a minimum of 250 words. References, citations, and repeating the question do not count towards the 250 word minimum.