Advance care planning

Question 1

How do you recognise dying?

Answer 1

cheyne stoke breathing or other changes, level of functioning, any reversible problems, are tx currently effective, have the pt or family seen a decline?
Getting more tired, death rattle, getting colder, eating and drinking less, cheyne stokes breathing (this breathing esp w neuro tumours), pauses in their breathing
Wt loss, poor appetite, fatigue, mobility down, social withdrawal, LOC, noisy secretions, pulse strength, mottled colour, laboured breathing, apnoea

Question 2

What are the Five Priorities of Care in the dying according to One Chance to Get it Right?

Answer 2

Recognising that someone is dying.
Communicating sensitively with them and others important to them.
Involving them and others important to them in decisions.
Providing support.
Creating an individualised plan of care and delivering it with compassion.

Question 3

What are the 5 key things pre-emptive prescribing addresses?

Answer 3

Pain, SOB, resp secretions, N+V, distress or agitation = 5 key things