A Nurse's Experience Providing Care to a Mother of a Toddler With Cohen's Syndrome Facing Tracheostomy Decision-Making Conflict Using Watson's Caring Theory

Abstract

This case involved a 17-month-old toddler with Cohen's syndrome and cerebral palsy who had experienced multiple hospitalizations and operations since birth. During hospitalization, the patient suffered from tracheomalacia and poor swallowing and coughing abilities and had experienced two cardiopulmonary resuscitation events, after which a tracheotomy was suggested. Decision-making regarding the tracheotomy placed the mother under tremendous pressure, who was facing both the life-threatening disease of her son and her burden of care. During the nursing care period from 19th September to 6th December 2022, the author identified the main nursing problem as "decision-conflict: decision-making in relation to tracheotomy procedure" and distinguished the nursing process into (1) escape period, (2) conflict period, and (3) coping period after decision-making. Adopting the ten carative factors in Watson's Caring Theory as the core of her care approach, the author was able to establish a mutually trusting relationship with the mother and to understand her needs by means of listening, consistency, and empathy. This involved providing sufficient information and holding family meetings to facilitate communication in combination with palliative medical resources to provide follow-up care support as well as helping the family find meaning in their lives.