Ethics consultation: an update on accountability issues.

Abstract

Nurses in a community hospital pediatric unit are struggling with the issue of how to care for a severely handicapped newborn. The parents are confused and cannot decide whether to approve a series of operations that will extend the infant's life or to request only palliative care. Where can the nursing staff go for help with these issues? Does the hospital have a bioethics service? What should nurses expect if they avail themselves of this service? Would members of the bioethics service decide what should be done? How would the family be involved?