Pediatric nursing
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With the complexity of technologies in medical centers today, family members are frequently confronted with situations that require decision making on behalf of a loved one. Some researchers have studied the needs of decision makers directly; however, the reality of asking opinions at the bedside of a dying patient makes it a difficult issue to research directly. The vignette method has been used to extrapolate data by asking study participants how they would act under certain circumstances. ⋯ Among the three scenarios, participants simulating family decisions for infants indicated that different caregiving values may apply. They were even more likely than the others to choose mechanical ventilation as an option when the prognosis is extremely poor. All family members making decisions for a loved one, regardless of age or relationship, need supportive assistance from nurses; however, pediatric nurses who develop relationships with parents of terminally ill infants especially need to understand their values in making decisions.