NURSING PRACTICE LIMITS IN PATIENTS WITH BRIEF VITAL PROGNOSIS: OPINION PAPER

Abstract

The progressive modernization of society combined with healthcare developments have made possible an increased average life expectancy of the population, especially among those who suffer from chronic diseases, providing, to society in general and healthcare professionals in particular, a feeling of victory over death that still remains. This urge to cure all diseases, delaying significantly the moment of death, can lead to vain attempts to extend life, using futile means, even when the conditions are not met, leading to ethical, deontological and legal discussions. This generates discussions on patients with a short life prognosis and their acceptance of death, allowing healthcare of excellence, without altering the course of life. It was in this context that our theme emerged and on which we focused, trying to establish parallelisms between remote theories that have current ramifications and contemporary theories, while analyzing the legal framework, the ethical principles, and the premises imposed by professional deontology in our country.