NBC reported that Duke turned off life support without the family's OK. They had wanted a second opinion, but Duke didn't allow it. The attorney was on, and they are (of course) pursuing legal action.
My question....is this legal?? Should they at least wait until the family has had a little time to accept that their child is brain dead before pulling the plug?
I've never heard of this before. Can someone enlighten me?
Well said caroladybelle! Dead is dead, and there was a period of about 4 hours following the media announcement of Jesica's brain death until her heart stopped. My understanding from a previous news story was that her heart stopped at 5 p.m. or so, and the vent was turned off at 5:07. This gave the family at least 4 hours or so during which to say their goodbyes, but it sounded as though her heart stopped on its own--not that the vent was pulled first.
There's a lot of information we don't have, so I think it's difficult to say anything for sure. .
The family must still be in denial. So common. I don't believe for a minute an MD walked in and said "That's all folks!" and turned off the vent, especially in a high profile case like this. They must have been told the prognosis and what would happen.
They stopped giving a cardiac gtt, not sure what and her heart stopped.Then they turned off the vent, is what I've heard.
We have claimed medical futility on a few patients in our unit and also on the other units. If keeping them on life support is pointless we have had 2 attendings agree and consult the ethics committee and dc lifesupport.
I agree....there is soooo much missing info and that spokesperson seems to be in this for other things. My question is...can this family really sue if they are illegal in this country? Or is it the spokesperson that is filing suit?
They are not illegally in this country. I believe the term is resident alien. While they did jump the border, they received this b/c of their daughter.
And if they weren't legal, why would it matter? They can file suit whether they're in Mexico or Antarctica.
Hi guys:clown: , I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to post a new post. I hope this ends up in the right place. There is an agency here in sw fl. offering a free (2 hr ceu) class on ventilators. I was wondering if you all know of any good websites I could get a head start on vents. i can't imagine that I'll get what I need out of a 2 hr. class. I did a internet search and came up empty handed. Any help will be most appreciated . This agency is ofcourse trying to get new nurses. They began interviewing me the minute I walked through the door:eek: , But if I can get a free CEU out of it then o.k.Thanks for any help.
dawngloves, BSN, RN
2,399 Posts
The family must still be in denial. So common. I don't believe for a minute an MD walked in and said "That's all folks!" and turned off the vent, especially in a high profile case like this. They must have been told the prognosis and what would happen.
They stopped giving a cardiac gtt, not sure what and her heart stopped.Then they turned off the vent, is what I've heard.