Introduction: One of the most important unresolved issues in health care is the question of continuation of care when prognosis is poor and further deterioration is inevitable. In this respect, the patient can express his or her will with the "do not resuscitate" order, but in practice, ethical issues arise with the introduction and consideration of such directives. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to research the use of the "do not resuscitate" order and the various points regarding its use in health care from ethical point of view. Methods: Review of 22 relevant scientific articles was performed. Results: Systematic review of the literature shows ethical issues regarding introduction and implementation of the "do not resuscitate" order are gradually being resolved. However issues often reappear with regard to the generalization of the order and its influence on treatment decisions. Many ethical issues can be resolved with better communication between patients and healthcare providers, through which both sides gain important information in end-of-life decision making. Besides nurse's key role in promoting and maintaning communication, nurse plays an important role in obtaining information, keeping patient's records and taking into account the »do not resuscitate« order in the patient's documentation. Discussion and conclusion: Nurse's function in the introduction and implementation of the "do not resuscitate" order is important with respect to communication between patient and health care providers. Clear guidelines and appropriate regulations of the nurse's role in health care institutions would have a significant impact on resolving the issues and on the reduction of errors in relation to the "do not rescucitate" order.
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