End of Life Care

Question 1

End of Life

Answer 1

When the disease becomes a terminal condition.
Prolonged Death
Days to Months

Question 2

Barriers to End of Life Care

Answer 2

Failure to acknowledge the limits of medicine.
Inappropriate use of aggressive treatment.
Lack of end of life education.
Poor Communication
Attitudes towards death and dying.

Question 3

Palliative Care

Answer 3

Maintain and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families during any stage of life-threatening illness.
Patient and family as a unit of care.
Attention to physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
Interdisiplinary team approach.
Education and support of patient and family.
Extends across illnesses and settings.
Bereavement/grief support for families and staff.

Question 4

Quality of Life

Answer 4

Physical Well-Being- Functional ability, strength/fatigue, sleep and rest, appetite, pain.
Social Well-Being- Financial burden, caregiver burden, roles and relationships, affection/sexual function, appearance.
Spiritual Well-Being- Hope, suffering, the meaning of pain, and religion.
Psychosocial Well-Being- Anxiety, depression, enjoyment/leisure, distress, happiness, and fear.

Question 5

End of Life Care Nursing Interventions

Answer 5

Provide holistic comfort.
Be present
Communication
Be an advocate