Symptoms
Often assessed on a verbal or FLACC scale, this symptom is physical and can also affect mood. The severity of this symptom is draining and makes it difficult for the patient to participate in activities of life, treatment, or personal interactions.
What is pain?
Used to treat pain and shortness of breath. Given either orally or IV.
What is Morphine?
The nurse wraps her patients lower extremities in warm blankets because he/she has noted slowed circulation and a bluish color to the skin. The nurse knows this condition to be...
What is mottling?
The reaction that is common to a patient and their family as a response to a terminal diagnosis and expected death
What is Anticipatory Grief?
A document that addresses wishes regarding "extraordinary measures" along with restrictions to care in the event the patient can no longer make decisions for themselves.
What is a living will?
The feeling of breathlessness.
What is dyspnea?
(Shortness of breath is also correct)
Can be used to treat anxiety, nausea or insomnia
What is Ativan (Lorazepam)?
The nurse repositions the patient slightly to one side with the head of bed elevated to 30 degrees to help alleviate this respiratory symptom.
The reaction to stress in which a caregiver goes beyond the state of exhaustion and depression to "past caring."
What is Caregiver Burnout?
Indicates who the patient wishes to make their healthcare decisions for them when they no longer can make their own decisions
What is a durable power of attorney?
Reclining or lying in the same position for extended periods puts the patient at risk for this serious yet preventable condition
A plant-based laxative used to treat constipation.
What is Senna?
The nurse is on her med pass and notices her patient is inconsolably sobbing in bed. She puts her tasks on hold and sits next to the patient and reaches for her hand. This is an example of
What is Being Present?
(also, active listening)
The specialized medical care of a patient whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment; emphasizes improvement to quality of life and relief of distressing symptoms rather than curing the disease.
What is palliative care?
This directive outlines the patient's wish that no attempts will be made to resuscitate.
DNR
The slowing of the digestive process causes this trio of common yet distressing symptoms.
Used to treat wet respirations in the actively dying patient.
What are Atropine drops?
The patient is noted to have a white patchy tongue and dry teeth and lips. The nurse knows to start this intervention next.
What is mouth assessment and oral care?
A program of healthcare that is oriented to the needs of the dying patient and their families which the include medical, nursing, social service and bereavement support.
What is Hospice?
The ability to generally understand the risks and benefits of a health care decision as well as any alternate options for treatment. This is determined by a doctor or APRN.
What is capacity to make healthcare decisions?
When the patient has expended all of their energy, they are left with this symptom.
What is fatigue.
Either in oral or rectal routes, this agent is used to treat nausea and vomiting
What is Compazine?
The patient is unresponsive and her skin is cool, clammy and mottling to the hands feet and back. The patient has not been turned in more than 3 hours. RR is 10 and there is no sign of pain per FLACC scale. The nurse knows this intervention of therapeutic touch can be a comfort to the patient and family at this time.
What is palliative massage?
(aka - the Divine Spa treatment)
also acceptable: music, family interaction, spiritual care, etc.
The individual who is available on a more or less full time basis to provide home care for a patient. This may be a spouse, relative or someone hired to carry out such duties.
What is the primary caregiver?
Medical orders for patients likely to be in the last year of life, containing orders which guide medical treatment decisions. It is intended to move with the patient between health and residential care facilities, signed by patient and provider
What is POLST? (Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment)