APLICACIÓN DE SEDACIÓN TERMINAL EN UNIDADES DE CUIDADOS INTENSIVOS: ROL DEL PROFESIONAL DE ENFERMERÍA

Introduction: Intensive care medicine has evolved toward a model that integrates palliative care when restoration of health is not possible. In this context, the nurse’s management of terminal sedation is essential to ensure relief from refractory symptoms and a dignified death. Objective: To analyze the nurse’s role in the management of terminal sedation for critically ill patients, identifying the ethical and clinical competencies necessary for quality care. Methods: A qualitative, non-experimental study of a descriptive and analytical nature was conducted through a literature review covering the period 2016–2026, using inclusion and exclusion criteria for sample selection. Results: The findings show that terminal sedation of the patient is based on the principle of double effect, differing from euthanasia in its intent and procedure. The need for systematic monitoring based on validated scales such as the RASS and BPS was identified to avoid technical futility. On the other hand, in Ecuador, despite the historical background in palliative care, a gap persists in the bioethical and legal training of professionals, which prevents the standardization of procedures related to the application of palliative care in intensive care units. Conclusions: Nursing staff play a central role in ensuring the holistic well-being of patients and their families. There is an urgent need to establish national protocols for end-of-life sedation in order to reduce clinical variability and provide legal certainty for the multidisciplinary medical team and its decision-making.