Death, what a fun topic Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Death, what a fun topic Deck (13)
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1
Q

How long does the active dying process usually take?

A

Hours to days
Sudden death is uncommon
Rarely occurs over weeks

2
Q

Important (less obvious) Physiologic Changes of death

A

Decreased appetite
Pain- grimace, moans, etc
Skin molting

3
Q

Decreased appetite in death

A

The patient is NOT starving to death
Death is from the underlying disease process
Not eating/drinking is normal

help by Oral care
Keep mouth moist and clean

4
Q

Pain in death

A

Warrants trial of Opioids (NO evidence they hasten death)

Undertreated ≥ 50% moderate-severe pain in last few days of life

5
Q

Communication with the Dying Patient

A

Distressing to families
This is a time when they want to communicate the most

Assume the patient can hear everything

Talk as if they were fully conscious

6
Q

After Death: What Do YOU Do

A

Your role is not to make it all better

Words are NOT what’s most important now

Most important to let the family know you are there for them

7
Q

After Death: What Do YOU Do 2

A
Be genuine
Say nothing, just be present
“I’m so sorry for your loss”
“You and your family will be in my thoughts”
“I’m here for you”

LISTEN to them
Share memories/stories of the deceased
Don’t talk about yourself
NOT a time to go over medical details

8
Q

Most important aspects of dying include

A
Dedicated decision maker
Financial affairs in order
Knowing what to expect about prognosis
Knowing what to expect about physical condition
Maintain dignity
Pain control
9
Q

Hospice

A

Dependent on prognosis
Prognosis ≤ 6 months (days-weeks-months)

Not pursuing curative/disease-modifying therapies

10
Q

Palliative Care

A

Specialized care for serious illnesses

Goal improve QOL

Relief of pain, symptoms, stress

Independent of prognosis

11
Q

Where do most people die

A

Most patients prefer to die at home…

but actually die in the hospital

12
Q

_________ ↑ QOL in seriously ill

A

Palliative care

13
Q

__________ ↑ QOL at end-of-life

A

Hospice