Vocabulary
A document stating a person's wishes about health care when that person cannot make his/her own decisions.
Advance Directive
The person refuses to believe that he/she is dying
Denial
What are end of life comfort goals?
Prevent/Relieve suffering to the extent possible. Respect and follow end of life wishes
What are signs of death?
No pulse, no respirations, no blood pressure, and fixed dilated eyes
Describe rigor mortis. stiffness and rigidity of skeletal muscles that occurs after death
stiffness and rigidity of skeletal muscles that occurs after death
Examination of the body after death
autopsy
The person thinks "why me". Dying person envy and resent those with life and health.
Anger
What are non-pharmalogical ways to help control pain?
Back massages, good body alignment, supportive devices
What is the sign of circulation failing?
Pulse is fast or slow, weak, and irregular
Do we remove tubing or devices from the patient if they are wanting an autopsy?
The support and care given during the time surrounding death
End of life care
Person asks God or a higher power for more time.
bargaining
What is the proper term used when documenting about a dying patients breathing when hearing the "death rattle"?
terminal secretions
What PPE required to do post-mortem care?
gloves and gown
Care that involves relieving or reducing the intensity of uncomfortable symptoms without producing a cure
palliative care
Person cries and says little and mourns things lost and future loss of life
depression
What are visual support measures? Explain who you are and what you are doing to the person
Explain who you are and what you are doing to the person
What is gastro-intestinal function slowing down?
Abdominal distention, fecal incontinence
What is how you close the eyes during post-mortem care?Gently pull eyelids over the eyes
Gently pull eyelids over the eyes, can use wet cotton balls if needed.
Care of the body after death
Person is calm and at peace.
acceptance
How can the nurse provide nutritional supportive care?
Providing small frequent meals, favorite foods, feeding the person, notify PCP for n/v medications
What is the reason for the mouth staying open when a pt. is the passing process?
Muscle tone loss
When is post-mortem care done?
After the doctor has pronounced the person dead