Introduction: The implementation of futile nursing interventions seems to be a persistent problem in adult intensive care
units. Understanding this phenomenon can contribute to its prevention and all deleterious effects associated with it.
Objective: To identify the perceptions of expert nurses from adult intensive care units about therapeutic futility in nursing.
Methods: This study consists of a conventional content analysis. Data was collected through a focus group interview that
included five expert nurses in adult intensive care, with a minimum of fifteen years of professional experience in intensive
care. To analyze the information, the technique of thematic categorical analysis was used, according to Bardin. Results:
Four central categories were identified for the topic under study, for which several subcategories were identified that
allow a better understanding of this phenomenon. Conclusion: Adult intensive care expert nurses advocate that therapeutic
futility in nursing is a reality perceived by teams and families, which should be avoided due to the risk of potentiating the implementation
of ethically reprehensible care
