The last hours of living in the ICU - priorities of care for critical care nurses
Journal Article
2006
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
South African Journal of Critical Care
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
Series
Abstract
Critical care is associated with a high mortality rate. While this varies, overall it is likely to be between 15% and 25%. In some cases death occurs almost immediately after an emergency admission and there is little time to prepare either the patient or the family. In the majority of cases, however, death occurs after a period of time. It may be an expected outcome, or it may become evident that further intervention and continuation of treatment is futile and distressing for the patient, the family, and especially the nursing staff.
Description
Reference:
Fouche, N. A. (2006). The last hours of living in the ICU-priorities of care for critical care nurses. Southern African Journal of Critical Care, 22(2), 65-67.