Life-Sustaining Treatment: A Legal–Ethical Dilemma

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cruzan by Cruzan v. Harmon will have a major impact on how we will care for patients in a persistent vegetative state. Each healthcare institution will need to review its life-sustaining treatment policies to match the guidelines established by the Supreme Court. N...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of nursing administration 1990-07, Vol.20 (7/8), p.49-52
Main Authors: Smejkal, Carol M., Hill, Frances J. McD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Coma - therapy
Ethics, Medical
Female
Humans
Life Support Care - legislation & jurisprudence
Male
Nursing
United States
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cruzan by Cruzan v. Harmon will have a major impact on how we will care for patients in a persistent vegetative state. Each healthcare institution will need to review its life-sustaining treatment policies to match the guidelines established by the Supreme Court. Nurse executives also need to develop strategies to manage staff morale in coping with the conflicts surrounding the issues of preservation of life, quality of life, and patient/family choice regarding treatment.
ISSN:0002-0443
1539-0721
DOI:10.1097/00005110-199007000-00012