| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2682186 | Perioperative Nursing Clinics | 2007 | 8 Pages |
Every day, health care providers in surgical and hospital settings face ethical issues with patients who require medical intervention. Since no one ever knows when he or she might become a patient who has lost the ability to communicate intent caused by an injury or disease, it is important to plan ahead and appoint an agent through a medical durable power of attorney to communicate wishes regarding care. An agent or other surrogate decision-maker often faces very difficult issues when the patient's medical status may mean that he/she is reaching the end of his or her life. Care decisions require a working knowledge of the medical issues and the application of ethical values, along with a process for coping with the emotional issues. Developing options and making medical decisions involves a blend of precise clinical information and the personal style and philosophy of the patient and the principles of clinical ethics.
