Nursing care involves the support of the general well-being of our patients, the provision of episodic acute care and rehabilitation, and when a return to health is not possible a peaceful death. Dying is a profound transition for the individual. As healthcare providers, we become skilled in nursing and medical science, but the care of the dying person encompasses much more. Certain aspects of this care are taking on more importance for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Show
Hospice care provides comprehensive physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care for terminally ill patients. Most hospice programs serve terminally ill patients from the comforts and relaxed surroundings of their own home, although there are some located in inpatient settings. The goal of the hospice care team is to help the patient achieve a full life as possible, with minimal pain, discomfort, and restriction. It also emphasizes a coordinated team effort to help the patient and family members overcome the severe anxiety, fear, and depression that occur with a terminal illness. To that end, hospice staffs encourage family members to help and participate in patient care, thereby providing the patient with warmth and security and helping the family caregivers begin the grieving process even before the patient dies. Everyone involved in this method of care must be committed to high-quality patient care, unafraid of emotional involvement, and comfortable with personal feelings about death and dying. Good hospice care also requires open communication among team members, not just for evaluating patient care but also for helping the staff cope with their own feelings. Recent studies have identified barriers to end-of-life care including patient or family member’s avoidance of death, the influence of managed care on end-of-life care, and lack of continuity of care across settings. In addition, if the dying patient requires a lengthy period of care or complicated physical care, there is the likelihood of caregiver fatigue (psychological and physical) that can compromise the care provided. The best opportunity for quality care occurs when patients facing death, and their family, have time to consider the meaning of their lives, make plans, and shape the course of their living while preparing for death. During end-of-life care, the nursing care planning revolves around controlling pain, preventing or managing complications, maintaining quality of life as possible, and planning in place to meet patient’s and/or family’s last wishes. Here are 4 nursing diagnosis for End-of-Life Care (Hospice Care) Nursing Care Plans (NCP):
1. Compromised Family CopingCompromised Family CopingNursing Diagnosis
May be related to
Possibly evidenced by
Desired Outcomes
1. Compromised Family CopingRecommended ResourcesRecommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources. Disclosure: Included below are affiliate links from Amazon at no additional cost from you. We may earn a small commission from your purchase. For more information, check out our privacy policy.
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What are 3 manifestations of approaching death?Pulse and heartbeat are irregular or hard to feel or hear. Body temperature drops. Skin on their knees, feet, and hands turns a mottled bluish-purple (often in the last 24 hours) Breathing is interrupted by gasping and slows until it stops entirely.
What manifestations would indicate approaching death?The signs that indicate someone is close to death include loss of appetite, increased weakness, labored breathing, changes in urination, and swelling in extremities. Other end-of-life signs may include sleeping more, increased pain, and becoming less social.
Which manifestation would indicate a hospice client may be approaching death?The most common signs and symptoms before death include: increased pulse/respiratory rate, Cheyne-Stokes respirations, cool/mottled skin, and decreased urine output. It is important to provide support for the patient and family throughout the entire dying process.
How can a nurse support the family of a dying patient?The role of the nurse during the active dying phase is to support the patient and family by educating them on what they might expect to happen during this time, addressing their questions and concerns honestly, being an active listener, and providing emotional support and guidance.
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