This paper reviews Mitchell's (2011) case study of a transport nurse who escorted a critically ill burn patient to view his deceased wife's body. The review examines how the nurse managed the patient's physical stability during transport, addressed his spiritual and emotional needs, and coordinated multiple hospital departments to make the visit possible. The paper also reflects on the professional and personal growth that life reviews can foster in nursing practice, illustrating how holistic care integrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the patient experience.
This paper reviews Mitchell, Andrea. (2011). Focusing on mind, body, and spirit while caring for patients and their families. Critical Care Nurse, (31), 69–70. The article presents a case study of a transport nurse who accompanied a critically ill burn patient, Mr. L, to view the body of his deceased wife, illustrating the integration of physical, emotional, and holistic nursing care in a critical care setting.
What is so extraordinary about the story of the transport nurse, as related in Mitchell (2011), is the degree to which the nurse — even while dealing with the emotionally fraught situation of a critically ill patient going to view the body of his dead wife — was able to remain mindful of Mr. L's physical needs.
For the journey, Mr. L was initially switched to a travel ventilator. However, when he did not tolerate this, the nurse suggested a manual resuscitation bag instead, although the travel ventilator was still brought along during the transport as a precaution. The transport nurse carefully monitored the patient throughout the visitation. During the ceremony at the chapel where his wife's body was present, the nurse suctioned Mr. L when it was clinically appropriate, ensuring his airway remained clear throughout this deeply personal moment.
As Mr. L viewed his wife, the nurse asked him about the life he had shared with Mrs. L. She asked the family if they would like to say a prayer, and after the pastor officiated, the nurse initiated a life review involving Mr. L and all of the other family members. This humanized the experience, despite the presence of the nurse and medical equipment, and provided the family with a positive sense of closure.
When it was uncertain how to proceed — such as when the nurse was unsure whether Mr. L wanted to touch his wife or kiss her good-bye — the nurse always asked first whether this was what he desired, in order to increase his comfort level and preserve his autonomy. This approach reflects the principles of patient-centered ethical practice that underpin contemporary nursing standards.
"Departments involved in the compassionate transport"
"How each department supported patient's spiritual needs"
"Personal and professional growth through compassionate care"
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