What Is Artificial Hydration?

461 Words1 Page
bulb-icon

Recommended: Principles of ethics in nursing

Artificial nutrition and hydration is a medium that allows a person to receive nutrition (food) and hydration (fluids) when they are no longer able to take them by mouth. This type of nutritional support reduces physical deterioration, and improves quality of life. Artificial nutrition and hydration can be administered via intravenous (IV) administration or by putting a tube in the stomach. Ms. Long is severely malnourished and weak as evidenced by her appearance and her right arm lying limping on the bed. She also has limited swallowing ability and large necrotic pressure sore on her sacrum. Based on her condition, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was administered to provide her the necessary food, fluid and medication in other …show more content…

Do not attempt resuscitate (DNAR) or Allow Natural Death (AND) is a legal document issued and signed by the doctor with the approval of the patient or the surrogate to the medical team (Public Guardian) to not attempt CPR if the patient’s heart stops beating. According to American Nurses Association, “Clinical nurses ensure that DNR orders are clearly documented, reviewed, and updated periodically to reflect changes in the patient's condition” (Joint Commission, 2012). Since Ms. Long is unable to make decisions, and the public guardian has not made any decision on her behalf, the nurse will initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when the client has no pulse or respirations. In the situation where the patient’s wishes and that of the public guardian is unknown, the patient’s interest is utmost important to keep her alive The DNAR is only feasible when the health care provider has discussed with the public guardian and the provider writes a “do not attempt resuscitate” (DNAR) prescription in the client’s medical record. In addition, Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (2010) supports nursing care that protects patient autonomy, dignity, and rights, as well as nursing care that contributes to the resolution of ethical issues. Nurses have an ethical obligation to support patients in their choices, and, when

Show More
Related

  • The Causes of Gallbladder Attacks

    950 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...h a type of surgery called Cholecystectomy. The Non-Surgical approaches are used only in specific situations such as when a patient’s condition prevents using an anesthetic. In such cases, Oral dissolution therapy is used.

    Read More

  • Health Care Case Study

    1406 Words  | 3 Pages

    This can be seen in the case study as ethical and legal arise in resuscitation settings, as every situation will have its differences it is essential that the paramedic has knowledge in the areas of health ethics and laws relating to providing health care. The laws can be interpreted differently and direction by state guidelines may be required. Paramedics face ethical decisions that they will be required to interpret themselves and act in a way that they believe is right. Obstacles arise such as families’ wishes for the patients’ outcome, communicating with the key stakeholders is imperative in making informed and good health practice decision. It could be argued that the paramedics in the case study acted in the best interest of the patient as there was no formal directive and they did not have enough information regarding the patients’ wishes in relation to the current situation. More consultation with the key stakeholders may have provided a better approach in reducing the stress and understanding of why the resuscitation was happening. Overall, ethically it could be argued that commencing resuscitation and terminating once appropriate information was available is the right thing to do for the

    Read More

  • Nutrition in the Intubated Patient

    1349 Words  | 3 Pages

    Ridley, E. J., Dietet, B. N., & Davies, A. R. (2011). Practicalities of nutrition support in the intensive care unit: the usefulness of gastric residual volume and prokinetic agents with enteral nutrition. Nutrition, 27(5), 509-512. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2010.10.010

    Read More

  • Case Study: Do Not Resuscitate

    851 Words  | 2 Pages

    The do not resuscitate aka DNR is a legal order provided by a patient stating that they are not to be resuscitated via CPR or with advanced cardiac life support. If they stop breathing or their heart stops beating they have the legal right to say no to life saving measures. The patient may have this legal form in advance or they can receive one from the hospital (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014).

    Read More

  • Immanuel Kant's The Quinlan Case

    1386 Words  | 3 Pages

    In an effort to provide the standard of care for such a patient the treating physicians placed Ms. Quinlan on mechanical ventilation preserving her basic life function. Ms. Quinlan’s condition persisted in a vegetative state for an extended period of time creating the ethical dilemma of quality of life, the right to choose, the right to privacy, and the end of life decision. The Quilan family believed they had their daughter’s best interests and her own personal wishes with regard to end of life treatment. The case became complicated with regard to Karen’s long-term care from the perspective of the attending physicians, the medical community, the legal community local/state/federal case law and the catholic hospital tenants. The attending physicians believed their obligation was to preserve life but feared legal action both criminal and malpractice if they instituted end of life procedures. There was prior case law to provide guidance for legal resolution of this case. The catholic hospital in New Jersey, St. Clare’s, and Vatican stated this was going down a slippery slope to legalization of euthanasia. The case continued for 11 years and 2 months with gaining national attention. The resolution was obtained following Karen’s father being granted guardianship and ultimately made decisions on Karen’s behalf regarding future medical

    Read More

  • Medical Futility: An Increasing Legal, Ethical, and Moral Dilemma

    1919 Words  | 4 Pages

    Mohr, M., & Kettler, D. (1997). Ethical aspects of resuscitation. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 253.

    Read More

  • Correlation Between Methylene Blue And Potassium Permanganate

    2337 Words  | 5 Pages

    ...epending on the patient’s dehydration, therefore also affecting the patient’s tonicity. The patient would also be losing water insensibly, in an unperceived way through their skin and lungs (Martini). This could be combative with the patient experiencing shortness of breath, in order to preserve some water from evaporating. In order to maintain proper osmolarity, the intercellular fluid would loose water to the extracellular fluid. This patient would need the replace the fluids he has lost by drinking water, or through intravenous isotonic crystalloid. I would suggest intravenous isotonic crystalloid since it would restore the body to homeostasis much quicker than through drinking. It is important that fluid balance, membrane transport, and overall homeostasis be maintained, for the longer the body is out of homeostatic range, the more detrimental the effects will be.

    Read More

  • The Ethical Dilemma of Assisted Suicide for Nurses

    863 Words  | 2 Pages

    The nursing profession is formed upon the Hippocratic practice of "do no harm" and an ethic of moral opposition to ending another human’s life. The Code of Ethics for nurses prohibits intentionally terminating any human life. Nurses are compelled to provide ease of suffering, comfort and ideally a death that is coherent with the values and wishes of the dying patient, however; it is essential that nurses uphold the ethical obligations of the profession and not partake in assisted suicide. (King, 2003)

    Read More

  • Difference Between Artificial Nutrition And Hydration

    1807 Words  | 4 Pages

    “‘The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition’” (Thomas Edison). Artificial nutrition and hydration dates back to about 3,500 years ago. During this time, Ancient Greeks and Egyptians were performing “rectal feedings”. They injected enemas to insert nutrients into the rectum to preserve health. This was to protect inflamed bowel surfaces or treat diarrhea. It was made from liquids such as wine, milk, whey and wheat or barley broths. Later on, they added eggs and brandy to the mix. Nutrition is the process of consuming food that is necessary for life, health and growth. Hydration is drinking water that is from either fluids or foods. Artificial nutrition and hydration (N&H) is a treatment that gives someone fluids and/or nutrition for their body without them taking it in their mouths and swallowing it. There has been some disagreements whether or not to withdraw or withhold artificial nutrition and hydration for end of life care. “End of life care” is when healthcare workers take care of people who are at the end of their life. Whether it is because they are in old age, very ill or injured, or sick with a disease. The disagreements exist because of it being based on if it is necessary or required to use artificial nutrition and hydration.

    Read More

  • Case Study on a Three Year Old With Bronchiolitis

    1885 Words  | 4 Pages

    Summary and evaluation of interventions: The interventions provided to Liam were effective in managing his respiratory distress and dehydration. Liam’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation improved, and he was able to maintain adequate hydration. The nurse provided education to Liam’s parents on the signs and symptoms of dehydration and encouraged them to offer small, frequent feedings to Liam. The nurse also involved Liam’s older sister in the care of Liam, which helped to reduce her anxiety and stress during Liam’s hospitalization.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Euthanasia

    1420 Words  | 3 Pages

    The following are guidelines on things nurses can and cannot do. Nurses can provide care and comfort to the patient and family through all stages of the dying process, explain current law, be present during the patient’s self-administration of the medication, be involved in policy development, explore reasons for the request to name a few (Getter, 2013). Nurse cannot inject or administer the life-ending medication, subject peers, patients, and families to unwarranted or judgmental comments or actions, or abandon/refuse to provide comfort and safety measures to the patient (Getter, 2013). As with any licensure, that individual is responsible for following actions within their scope of practice. It is up to them to know their policies at an institutional and legal

    Read More

  • The Issue of Medical Futility in Modern Practices

    596 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although courts shy away from cases that deal with a physician refusal to treat a patient they have enacted a law that lends support to this idea. This law is the Do Not Resituate law which currently 49 states have enacted some type of DNR law. A DNR order is a written order that states that CPR should not be provided to the patient. Unless a DNR is written the patient will receive CPR. However a couple of states have provided that “CPR made be withheld from a patient if in the judgment of a treating physician an attempt to resuscitate would be medically futile.” These efforts are considered medically futile “if they cannot restore cardiac function to the position or to achieve the expressed goals of the informed patient.” However a guardian or surrogate of the patient is allowed to override the DNR.

    Read More

  • Nursing Ethics Case Study

    1211 Words  | 3 Pages

    I personally feel that the life of a person is well above all policies and regulations and if an attempt to rescue him or her from death at the right time remains unfulfilled, it is not the failure of a doctor or nurse, it is the failure of the entire medical and health community.

    Read More

  • Essay On Ethical And Ethical Issues In Nursing

    733 Words  | 2 Pages

    Another huge ethical topic is the patient’s right to choose autonomy in the refusal of life-saving medicine or treatment. This issue affects a nurse’s standards of care and code of ethics. “The nurse owes the patient a duty of care and must act in accordance with this duty at all times, by respecting and supporting the patient’s right to accept or decline treatment” (Volinsky). In order for a patient to be able make these types of decisions they must first be deemed competent. While the choice of patient’s to refuse life-saving treatment may go against nursing ethical codes and beliefs to attempt and coerce them to get treatment is trespass and would conclude in legal action. “….then refusal of these interventions may be regarded as inappropriate, but in the case of a patient with capacity, the patient must have the ultimate authority to decide” (Volinsky). While my values of the worth of life and importance of action may be different than others, as a nurse I have to learn to set that aside and follow all codes of ethics whether I have a dilemma with them or not. Sometimes with ethics there is no right or wrong, but as a nurse we have to figure out where to draw the line in some cases.

    Read More

  • What Are The Ethical Principles Of Ethics In Nursing

    1313 Words  | 3 Pages

    Several ethical principles that are incorporated in the nursing care of patients on a daily basis are nonmalificence, autonomy, beneficence, justice, fidelity and paternalism. Nurses should strive to comply to as many of the principles as possible. In this case there are principles which support and conflict with the wishes of the patient. The first principle that supports the wish of the patient is autonomy. Autonomy means that competent patients have the right to make decisions for themselves and the delivery of the healthcare that they receive. Another factor that would support the patient’s wish to not be resuscitated is nonmalificence. Non maleficence means that nurses should not cause harm or injury to their patients. In this case the likelihood of injury after resuscitation was greater than if the patient were allowed to expire. A principle that could have negatively affected the outcome of the provision of ethical care was paternalism. Paternalism is when a healthcare provider feels that they know what is best for a patient, regardless of the patient’s desire for their own care. I demonstrated the principle of paternalism because I thought that I knew what was best for the patient without first consulting with the patient or family. This situation might have had some very negative consequences had the patient not have been competent. Practicing a paternalistic mindset might have caused a practitioner in the same instance to force their ideas about not resuscitating the loved one onto the family. This could have caused a sense of remorse and loss of control of care amongst the

    Read More

More about What Is Artificial Hydration?

Open Document