Engage Fundamentals: End-of-Life Care Flashcards
What is respite care?
A group of volunteers associated with the hospice team who aid in helping the family through running errands, housekeeping, transportation, and etc.
T/F Palliative care is only used for patients who are experiencing a terminal illness.
False. It is also used for patients with chronic health problems.
How do opioids aid with breathing in someone on end of life care who is experiencing shortness of breath?
Increase peripheral vasodilation, which increases blood flow, thereby reducing shortness of breath and even anxiety.
What purpose do oral atropine drops or scopolamine patches serve in end of life care?
When would you offer them?
Dry secretions.
Offered when the patient has a rattling noise with each breath.
Once Cheyne-Stokes respirations occur. About how many days would you expect until death?
Three days
What medications are associated with each step of the three step ladder when administering pain medication to end of life patients?
- NSAIDS
- Codeine or tramadol
- Morphine
What concern contributes to the most criticisms related to nursing care at the end of life?
Lack of caring by nursing staff.
What needs to be documented following the death of a patient?
- Date and time of death
- Name of anyone notified
- Location of patient belongings
- Where was the body moved to
What are some postmortem care interventions carried out by the nurse?
- Washing the body
- Making sure the patient’s possessions are accounted for
- placing identification tags on a minimum of two areas on the body
A caregiver can request their terminally ill loved one be admitted to a licensed care facility for how many days?
Five.
What are some nursing interventions that can be performed to reduce noisy respirations when a terminally ill patient is approaching death?
- Turn their head to the side
- Administer anticholinergic medications
How long does hospice care continue following the death of the terminally ill patient?
Up to three months.
