End of Life Care Flashcards
1
Q
State some principles of a good death
A
- To know when death is coming and know what to expect
- To be able to retain control of what happens
- Dignity and privacy
- Control of pain relief and other symptoms
- Choice and control over where death occurs
- Access to information & expertise
- Access to any spiritual & emotional support required
- Access to hospice care
- Control over who is present at the end
- To be able to issue advance directives which ensure wishes are respected
- Have time to say goodbye and control over timing
- Not to have life prolonged pointlessly
2
Q
What is advanced care planning?
A
Care providers, the individual and those close to them discuss the pts wishes and priorities for their future care
3
Q
Within advanced care planning there are 3 ‘subsections’/’variations’ of advanced care planning:
- Advanced statement
- Advanced decision to refuse treatment
- Lasting power of attorny for health & welfare
… discuss the difference betweent the three
A
4
Q
State some symptoms people facing the end of their life may experience
A
- Pain
- Nausea & vomitting
- Dyspnoea
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Anorexia
- Terminal secretions
5
Q
What kind of care should be given/continued for those who are end of life/palliative?
A
- Personal care should continue to ensure comfort
- Observations if no longer appropriate should be stopped
- Regular mouth care
6
Q
Discuss some reasons why you may refer to the coroner
A
- Pt wasn’t seen by doctor in the 14 days prior to death
- Identify of deceased in unknown
- Death occured in cusotdy or otherwise in state of detention
- Related to treatment or procedure
- Occured as a result of poising
- Occured as a result of trauma, violence, physical injury
- Occured as a result of self harm
- Death is related to work
- Occured as a result of neglect of care by another person
- Was unnatural
7
Q
When certifying a death what must you check?
A
- No response to pain
- Check carotid pulse
- Check pupils are fixed and dilated
- Check no breath sounds (3 mins)
- Check no heart sounds (2 mins)
*NOTE: different sources say different times
