Question

End-of-life care becomes an issue at some point for elderly clients. Even with the emergence of palliative care programs and hospice programs, most elderly people do not die in their own home as is their preference. What are the reasons for this trend? Discuss what you can do as a nurse to support your clients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. Support your response with evidence-based literature.

Answer 1

outcome related to care during illness and the dying experience should be based on the clients wishes.

issues for consideration may include organ and donations, advance directives or other legal documents, withholdingor withdrawing treatments, and cardiopulmonary resusitation.

Palliative care mainly focus on caring interventions and symptom management rather than cure the disease.

Hospice care provide support and care for clients in the last phase of incurable disease , so many people like palliative service.

IN TERMS OF PAIN

Administer pain medications donot delay or deny pain medications to them

DYSPNEA

elevate the head of the bed or position the client on his side

administer supplemental oxygen

suction fluids from the airway as needed

SKIN

Assess colour and temperature

assess for breakdown

implement measures to prevent breakdown

DEHYDRATION

maintain oral care

encourage taking ice chips and sips of fluid

do not force the client to eat or drink

apply lubricant to lips

ANOREXIA,NAUSEA,VOMITTING

Provide antiemetics before meals

provide favourite foods

provide frequent small portions of favourite foods

WEAKNESSAND FATIGUE

Provide rest periods

assess tolerance for activities

provide assistance and support

monitor for fear, anxiety and depression