Ethical Dilemmas In The Neotensive Care Unit (NICU)

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Ethical issues are present in every aspect of healthcare. Ethical dilemmas in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are especially difficult because the patient cannot express him/herself. It is therefore the responsibility of the parents to make the decisions regarding treatment. It is the nurse’s job to advocate for the patient to ensure that they are receiving the best possible care. The cost of care, termination of treatment, and the nurses’ role in the termination of treatment are all factors that are included in the care of patients that are suffering in the NICU. Cost of Care The average cost per day for a baby in the NICU is $3,500 and the total cost can amount to up to $1 million. The ethical dilemma present with this is when a patient This allows the nurse to assess the patient’s pain and suffering related to the treatment plan in place (Settle, 2014). The ability to communicate well is essential for ethical decision making in the NICU (Monterosso et al., 2005). Nurses play a big role in supporting the parents while their child is in the NICU. Showing compassion and demonstrating caring actions when caring for the patient makes it more likely that the parents will trust the nurse and the information the nurse gives them regarding their child’s condition. This trust is important as it helps the parents feel confident in the decisions they are making about their child’s care. When the parents of an ill child in the NICU have decided to terminate treatment palliative care by the nurse and other healthcare providers comes into play. Palliative care is keeping the child comfortable by treating the symptoms and being there for the parents and child physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Eden & Callister, 2010). The patient and family should be placed in a private room that is dimly lit and has minimal noise. There should be enough room to accommodate other family members as well. All unnecessary medical equipment such as ventilators and monitors should be removed from the patient. IV access should remain in place to give adequate medication for pain. Supplemental

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