Ethical Question and Concern

[oncnursern]

We have a patient on our oncology floor that was declared brain dead after being found in a pool for over 10 minutes. She had ETOH in her system well above the normal. She was in ICU for several weeks intub and family called in from out of state. Her family decided basically to let her die and with held all feedings. She was transferred to us several days ago on room air with no feeding tube with orders to start a drip if uncomfortable. Since that time she responds to you by shaking her head if we ask her certain questions. She can mover her left arm, opens her eyes tries to speak but no words come out and she gets frustrated. We made a comment to her about we wished she would not have went into the pool that night and she shaked her head yes. She is becoming septic with positive blood cultures now, hot and running at high temp. My question is it ethical to just let her die knowing that she is responding and not brain dead as we were told originally. We are all having a difficult time dealing with just letting her die. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Others on the floor indicated that they would not want to live if not total functioning. Thanks.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

That is so frightening that this woman is not brain dead and the family want a DNR order maintained on her, I know they are not aware of the current situation but they do need to be informed asap. How sad that she has been left to die, and there is no relative coming to see her. I think there is nothing more upsetting than a patient dying alone, I know that we cant always predict when somebody is going to die but at least a daily presence and not just the number of a funeral home.

[MrsMommaRN]

not a nurse yet but just adding my two cents. i thought that brain death was determined by an eeg?

what a situation you are in i pray that the pts. wishes can be carried out. bless you for being so concerned for her and fighting for her when she can't.:redbeathe :icon_hug: