Preoperative care for patients in terminal stage of disease from the perspective of nurses

Objective: to understand the meanings attributed by nurses to preoperative care provided to terminal disease patients. Methods: qualitative research that used the Grounded Theory as methodological reference and was conducted in the surgical wards of a university hospital. Results: eleven nurses participated in the research. A theory was elaborated for the central phenomenon: Nurses caring for terminal disease patients in the preoperative period in the context of a surgical ward. Conclusion: nurses attribute meanings to this care that has its own particularities, that requires professional preparation and that demands, even more, an effective communication within the multidisciplinary team and in the relationship with the patient and family. Contributions to practice: the theory presented allows professionals to reflect on their praxis, understand the intervening conditions for ethical dilemmas and conflicts involved and consequences, as well as strategies to improve care in this scenario.