In the hospital settings we nurses encounter patients near the end of life. In the medical records the advanced directive is available, but does not transfer from unit to unit or hospital to another facility; in consequence postponing the death of the patient. End of life documents should be a team work between nurses and doctors and of course computerize tools.
We nurses have the ethical duty to communicate with the patient, family and physicians about these issues and resolve any conflict between the patient and relatives. The health team should respect the person's values and wishes at the end of life by maintaining comfort and dignity.
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