Everyone's experience of dying is different and it can be difficult to know when a person is reaching the last few days of their life. It's important to be able to recognise the common signs of dying, so the person you're caring for can receive the best possible care in their last days of life, and those around them can be prepared. Show
On this page: Last days and hours of lifeThe last days or hours of a person's life are sometimes called the terminal phase. This is when someone is "actively dying". Everyone's experience of dying is different, and some people will die suddenly or unexpectedly. But there are often signs that can help you to recognise when someone is entering the terminal phase. These include:
If you think someone is in their last days of lifeIt can be difficult to know whether someone is entering the last days of their life. If you're unsure, ask a more experienced colleague for advice. Inform the person’s care teamIf a patient shows signs that they're entering the terminal phase, speak to the district nurse, GP or palliative care team. They will speak to colleagues, the patient and the people around them to decide whether the patient is entering the last days of life and what care they need. Read more about caring for patients in the last days and hours of life. Consider reversible causes of declineSome conditions can cause the signs and symptoms of dying but can be treated. Be aware of reversible causes of decline, which may include:
If you think the patient may have any of these conditions, tell their GP or specialist nurse, who will arrange assessment and treatment. Keep monitoring the person regularly (at least every 24 hours) to make sure they're settled. Talk to the GP or district nurse if there are any changes in their symptoms. Communicate with the patient and those involved in their careEven when someone has been living with a terminal illness for a while, it can be a shock for the patient and the people around them when they reach the last days of their life. It's important to be honest and reassuring when you're speaking to the patient and those important to them. The best person to speak to the patient and the people close to them is a health and social care professional who is confident and experienced. It can help if they have had time to build a relationship with the patient. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, ask a colleague to help. You can learn the communication skills needed to speak to patients at the end of life through training, experience and feedback from colleagues. Check whether the patient has recorded their wishes in a care plan or other document. If they haven't discussed their wishes with anyone, offer them the chance to do this as soon as possible. Read more about advance care planning. Some family members and friends may experience grief before the patient dies. This is called anticipatory grief. Find out how you can help support family and friends. Useful resourcesYou may find our guides on specific conditions, which include targeted information about signs of dying, useful:
Here are some useful resources from other organisations: National Institute of Health and Social Care Excellence Guideline: Caring for dying adults in the last days of life National Institute of Health and Social Care Excellence Clinical Knowledge Summary: Palliative care-general issue: The terminal phase Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines: End of Life Care What are the signs and symptoms that indicates that the patient is dying?Pulse and heartbeat are irregular or hard to feel or hear. Body temperature drops. Skin on their knees, feet, and hands turns a mottled bluish-purple (often in the last 24 hours) Breathing is interrupted by gasping and slows until it stops entirely.
What are nursing responsibilities when caring for a dying client?Decisions about care at the end of a person's life often involve quality-of-life considerations. Nurses are obligated to provide care that includes the promotion of comfort, relief of pain and other symptoms, and support for patients, families, and others close to the patient.
What is the correct way to take care of a dying resident?Here are a few tips that may help manage mental and emotional needs:. Provide physical contact. Try holding hands or a gentle massage.. Set a comforting mood. Some people prefer quiet moments with less people. ... . Play music at a low volume. This can help with relaxation and lessen pain.. Involve the dying person. ... . Be present.. What are the roles of the nurse during the active dying phase?The role of the nurse during the active dying phase is to support the patient and family by educating them on what they might expect to happen during this time, addressing their questions and concerns honestly, being an active listener, and providing emotional support and guidance.
|
A nurse is caring for a client who is actively dying and notes the clients feet are purple
zusammenhängende Posts
Urheberrechte © © 2024 toptenid.com Inc.
