Resuscitation discussion experiences of patients hospitalized in a coronary care unit
Larson, D.E.
Heart and Lung the Journal of Critical Care 23(1): 53-58
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0147-9563 PMID: 8150645 Document Number: 422770
To learn about patients' feelings, beliefs, and values concerning resuscitation and to suggest the role for nurses in discussion of resuscitation options with patients. Prospective, qualitative, phenomenological. Midwestern teaching hospital. Ten patients hospitalized in a coronary care unit. Age range was 67 to 89 years. Participants described beliefs about life-sustaining interventions, decision making, and patient and family involvement, nurses' and physicians' roles in the decision-making process, and desire to know the truth about their health care options. Subjects also offered definitions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, resuscitation, and code in their own words. This study suggests that decision-making opportunities are important to patients. Because patients frequently feel comfortable discussing their feelings with nurses, nurses have the opportunity to initiate discussion of sensitive issues with patients.