Palliative Approach to Care Flashcards
define palliative care
holistic care that seeks to improve an individual’s quality of life once a chronic, life-limiting condition has been diagnosed
what does a palliative approach focus on?
- Identifying and managing symptoms
- Identifying and addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs
- Identifying and addressing information needs
- Exploring goals of care and ensuring advance care planning
define palliative
to cloak, soothe, or alleviate; refers to actions aimed at alleviating symptoms and suffering
define palliative approach to care
uses palliative care principles to improve the standard care for the living and the dying
define end of life care
care provided at the final stages of dying and continues through death and into bereavement period
define hospice
often used interchangeably with end-of-life care; may refer to end-of-life care provided in a specialized setting or by a specialized team
what are the prognostic requirements for hospice?
hospice is limited to a prognosis of 6 months or less
what are the core principles of palliative care?
- Dignity
- Hope
- Comfort
- Quality of Life
- Relief of Suffering
what are the characteristics of palliative care?
- Provides relief from pain and distressing symptoms
- Affirms life and regards death as a normal process
- Integrates psychological and spiritual aspects of care
- Offers a support system for patients and families
- Enhances quality of life
what are some benefits of palliative care?
- Reduced hospitalizations and reduced inappropriate medical interventions
- Reduced emotional trauma for patients and families
- Increased sense of control for patients and families
- Better symptom management
- Allows for greater informed decision making
- Improved quality of life for the individual and family/caregivers.
Who would benefit from a palliative approach to care?
beneficial for many diseases/conditions where no further treatments are available or the burden of treatment outweighs the benefits
what does it mean to be present as a nurse?
Idea of nurses as a therapeutic presence and being wholly present with patients and families.
define bereavement
the period of adjusting to the experience of loss, particularly the death of a loved one.
define grief
the intense emotional suffering that accompanies the experience of loss.
define mourning
the outward expressions of bereavement and grief
