AACN Protocols for Practice: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues in Critical Care

Expert nursing care has the potential to greatly reduce the burden and distress of those at life's end and the ability to offer support for the many physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This protocol sets forth the evidence-based guidelines for providing appropriate end-of-life care; including symptom management; family issues and intervention; withholding and withdrawing life support; communication and conflict resolution; and caring for the caregiver.