Ethical aspects in the care of critically ill patients

Abstract

The imponant of an ethical orientation based on the utmost respect for the dignity of the human person is discused in this article, as well as the importance of existence as a primordial value of the human person. The work that the nursing personnel carry out is highlighted; their responsibility in the attention of patients as indispensable helpers of the physician, whose ethical obligations they share fully. Also highlighted are the obligations of the physician and nurse in the attention of critical care patients, avoiding both euthanasic and disthanasic attitudes, and promoting, by all means possible, otthothanasic attitudes. The need for the professional secret is stressed as is the need for the respect for the true infonned consent.