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a disease or condition that will eventually cause death
terminal illness
the Latin term for the temporary condition after death in which the muscles in the body become stiff and rigid
rigor mortis
Which sense is usually present until death occurs?
Hearing
How does caring for a resident on palliative care differ from the care the NA usually provides?
Promote independence as long as possible, allow residents to have as much control over their lives as possible
What is a wake?
a watch over the body before the funeral
deep distress or sorrow over a loss.
care of the body after death
postmortem care
What are some ways and NA might provide emotional and spiritual support for a dying resident?
Listening, quiet, reassurance, touch, do NOT avoid a dying resident
List 10 common signs of approaching death.
(1) blurred and failing vision (2) unfocused eyes (3) impaired speech (4) diminished sense of touch (5) loss of movement, muscle tone, and feeling (6) a rising or below-normal body temp (7) decreasing blood pressure (8) cold, pale skin (9) mottling (10) disorientation/confusion
What is cremation?
burning of a body until it is reduced to ashes
holistic, compassionate care given to people who have approximately six months or less to live.
hospice care
capable of breaking down or being decomposed by bacterial or other living organisms.
biodegradable
What measures may help a dying resident who is in pain?
PCA (patient-controlled analgesia), frequent changes of position, back massage, skin care, mouth care, and proper body alignment
List 5 changes that may occur in human body after death.
No heartbeat/pulse/resp/BP
Eyelids may be open or partially open with fixed stare
Mouth may remain open
Incontinence may occur
Rigor Mortis
Mr. Lopez is dying of AIDS. He has called all of his friends to say goodbye and has discussed at length with his family the kind of memorial service he would like them to arrange. What stage of grief is Mr. Lopez in?
Acceptance
care that focuses on the comfort and dignity of a person who is very sick and/or dying, rather than on curing the person
palliative care
Describe the stages of grief.
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
What are 3 legal rights to remember when caring for the terminally ill?
The right to have visitors, the right to privacy and the right to have visitors
What is postmortem care?
care of the body after death
True or False:
An atheist's funeral will normally involve prayers or hymns.
False
alternating periods of slow, irregular respirations and rapid, shallow respirations, along with periods of apnea.
cheyne-stokes
Describe 5 possible feelings/responses in the grief process.
Shock, Denial, Anger, Guilt, Regret, Relief, Sadness, Loneliness
What is the focus in palliative care?
pain relief, comfort and managing symptoms
Where are drainage pads most often needed during postmortem care?
under the head and/or under the perineum
True or False:
A natural burial involves embalming the body before placing it directly into the ground.
False