response to having family at code.

[babynurselsa, RN]

I am still havin troubles posting replies, but wanted to pipe in.

I do believe in some situations it is beneficial to the family and even the patient to have them there. One case in particular that I can remeber was a 24 weeker that we had codoed I can't even remeber how many times. The kid was at least twice his birth weight from edema, he had 3 chest tubes, along with all of the other equipment attached to a 24 weeker.

We all knew we had done all we could and all we were doing was painfully prolonging the inevitable. Mom demanded that we continue to "do everything." Finally one morning he coded yet again and we brought mom in and allowed her to be at the bedside to see what "everything" meant.

Chest copressions on a leaky water balloon. At that time she requested that we stop. We cleaned him up wrapped him up and let mom hold him in a rocking chair so that they could say good-bye.

I think this allowed mom to come to terms that this tyke had fought the good fight, and that we had indeed done everthing we could. It also finally allowed this little man to pass over in his momma's arms.

I think especially if the code is truly a futile action. Yes they should be present. Then they can know that everything was done and just what everything means

[Teshiee]

I DO AGREE IN SOME INSTANCES THAT FAMILY COULD BE AROUND BUT I WOULDN'T SAY IT WAS A GOOD FIGHT. THAT POOR NEONATE HAD A GOOD SUFFERING. I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF MICRO PREEMIES AND IT CAN BE TOUCH AND GO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PARENTS WANT US TO DO EVERY THING BUT REALITY CHECK NEEDS TO BE REINFORCED! IT IS SO SAD! NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO EASE ANYONE'S LOSS. WAS SHE TOLD OF THE BABY'S CHANCES? I KNOW IT WOULDN'T MAKE HER DECISION ANY EASIER. I JUST HATE TO SEE THOSE NEONATES SUFFER LIKE THAT.