To Code or Not to Code...
Please check out this post by ED nurse Kim, at Emergiblog, about having appropriate documentation available for elderly family members who prefer not to suffer the indignity and consequences of being resuscitated when their breathing or heart stops. I especially agree that everyone should understand the process of resuscitation, so that they know what they are signing up for.
I agree with Kim, if you actually WANT me to try to return you to the living, I will gladly give you my best effort. But if you don't, please make that very clear to all potential decision-makers. Resuscitation efforts have varying degrees of success, depending upon the length of time without a pulse and the amount of underlying disease. It is very sad to put someone through this process when we medical providers know that their chances of returning to a full and happy life are almost non-existent.
Take care,
Laurie
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: end of life, DNR, resuscitation, advance directive, health-and-wellness
I agree with Kim, if you actually WANT me to try to return you to the living, I will gladly give you my best effort. But if you don't, please make that very clear to all potential decision-makers. Resuscitation efforts have varying degrees of success, depending upon the length of time without a pulse and the amount of underlying disease. It is very sad to put someone through this process when we medical providers know that their chances of returning to a full and happy life are almost non-existent.
Take care,
Laurie
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: end of life, DNR, resuscitation, advance directive, health-and-wellness
Labels: advance directive, DNR, end of life, resuscitation
