Instruction
• You are the only RN caring for three terminally ill patients in the ICU on the 5th floor during a hurricane that has knocked out power, contaminated the water, and produced structural damage to the hospital.
• Evacuation is not possible for four days during which you run out of IVs and morphine. The pharmacy is shut down and all pharmacists have evacuated.
• Patients are suffering in 105 degree heat with no fluids and no pain relief. One patient asks you to be merciful and end his suffering.
• What are your options? What guidance does the Code provide?