Should Nurses Talk to Brain‐Dead Patients?

2025/06/16 by Michael Clinton · 1 voice
Medicine · Psychology · #Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health #Organ Donation and Transplantation #Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/nicc.70077

openalex publication_date 2025/06/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

Speaking to the deceased is a sign of respect in Middle Eastern countries. However, talking to the brain-dead can create false hope for families and undermine medical authority. While examining moral issues through other ethical frameworks is possible, intensive care unit nurses should prioritize relational ethics when mediating conflicts between physicians and grieving families. By fostering trust with brain-dead patients' families, nurses can create a supportive environment that may encourage consent for organ donation.

Discussions

• 🧠💬 Should nurses speak to brain-dead patients? This article explores how relational ethics can help nurses support grieving families, and even encourage organ donation. 🔗 doi.org/10.1111/nicc... [bsky, 3 points, 1 comments]

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