Question | Answer |
The American way of dying | older people and their families are forced to attempt to make sense of the ever-changing rules and regulations set up by private or governmental bureaucracies |
Attitudes towards death and dying | the variety of treatment options available to people makes end-of-life decisions difficult. Personal values, cultural and spiritual beliefs affect choices. Many elderly worry about how they will die, not really the fear of death |
Advance directives | specific end-of-life decisions expressed in advance; living will or durable power of attorney. A competent person retains the right to change his or her mind about treatment at any time |
Caregiver attitude toward death | May view death as a personal or professional failure. need to be able to communicate effectively and respond to the patient, as well as address the needs to the family as they face grief, loss and bereavement at the end of life |
Ethical dilemmas | more likely to occur when the value systems of the pt and caregiver differ significantly. Nurses need to ID their personal values related to end of life. Understanding the value systems of others can help the nurse provide quality end-of-life care. |
what is a "good death" | many people try to ID the specific end-of-life outcomes that are most valued. Studies indicate that given their choices, most people wish to be treated with respect and dignity and to die quietly and peacefully with loved ones nearby |
Where do people die | 90% of people say that they would rather die at home, less than ¼ of deaths actually occur there. ½ of deaths occur in hospitals and another ¼ occur in extended-care facilities. |
palliative Care | focuses on reducing or relieving the symptoms of a disease without attempting to provide a cure. Ex: CPR, artificial ventilation and artificial feedings |
Collaborative assessments and interventions | good end-of-life care requires the commitment of all caregivers. Everyone needs to work together with a positive attitude to solve any problems that might arise. |
Communication at the end of life | the responsibility for providing and maintain effective communication most often falls to the nurses, who spend the most time with patients. Nurses need to work to develop an open communication environment. |
Cultural perspectives | a nurses responsible to assess each individual to determine their unique preference and viewpoints so that trust can be developed and culturally sensitive care can be planned |