Quiz Q's and A's - Palliative Care

Question 1

1. Outline what the ethical principles of care are for palliative care

Answer 1

Clinical Integrity - integrated care, discussion included family members, treatment is timely

Respect for persons – listening to patients and family members, cultural and spiritual wishes respected

Justice for all – access for support and legal resources are available to all: pt. family and carers

Benefit to the person – managing symptoms so that they are pain free

Question 2

2. Outline what the three ethical principles are for palliative care

Answer 2

1. Primary carer & informal community support
2. Generalist health provider and formal community support services
3. Specialist palliative care services

Question 3

3. Outline why admission to acute settings will occur

palliative care

Answer 3

Treatment for acute or surgical

Symptom control

Respite for carer

To die

Question 4

4. What factors should the nurse explore when analysing the patients symptoms in palliative care?

Answer 4

Does the person have a life limiting illness?

Explore symptom and assess if it is new or a coexisting problem

Is the person unwell with an acute problem that can be easily reversed?

Should we do something about reversing the problem?

What can we do to maintain levels of comfort?

Question 5

5. What signs and symptoms will show that death is imminent?

Answer 5

Mottled skin, blue tinge to skin and mouth

Breathing changes – rapid shallow; Cheyne-Stokes breathing

“Death rattle”- moist respiration’s

Incontinence

Cold Extremities

Pain, Dyspnoea increase

Increased Respiratory tract secretions

Restlessness and agitation

Question 6

6. What does the specialist palliative care team provide?

Answer 6

Provide care that exceeds that given by carers

Provides assessment and care within resources and expertise

Consults with primary care team

Provides ongoing care

Question 7

7. What specialists are included in the palliative care team?

Answer 7

Mental health liaison team
Bereavement counselor
Pastoral care  
Dietitian
Occupational therapist
Complementary therapist 
District & Community nurses
Medical practitioners 
Social worker 
School counselor
Cancer support Services

Question 8

8. What is the role of the primary carer?

Answer 8

Provide physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual support

Co-ordinate formal/informal carers

Give medications

Assist with appointments