The need for a peaceful death

The need for a peaceful death
Care of the dying patient
 Special skill is required on the part of the nurse
 Nursing care usually involves alleviation of pain and discomfort and the provision of
personal support to the patient and to those close to him/her
 Known as palliative care: an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and
their families facing the problems associated with life threatening illness through the
prevention and relief of suffering
The process of dying
 Dying is a complex process both physically and mentally
Physical level
 Loss of muscle tone and wasting of muscle
 Reduction in peristalsis
 Slowing down of blood circulation
 Decreased appetite and fluid intake
 The presence of pain and discomfort
 Changes in sensory perception
 Weakness and fatigue
 Possible changes in awareness or levels or consciousness
Psychological level
Becoming aware
 Becoming aware that the/she is dying is brought about by being told or by own
realisation. This stage is preceded by anxiety or premonition. Shock accompanies this
phase together with feeling of unreality, panic and prolonged anxiety
 Nursing care
 Sincere empathy is essential. Give encouragement and assure the patient of support
 Convince the patient and family (through attitude0 that they are accepted and are
free to express their feelings
 Ensure privacy, encourage venting of emotions and be warm and accepting
 Be available when the person has a desire to speak to you
Denial
 The patient tries to escape the reality and cannot accept the seriousness of the illness
 Nursing care
 Accept that the patient/family is not ready to accept the seriousness of the illness
but do not encourage denial
 Give the family the opportunity to stay together to reassure each other
 Do not admire the denial as bravery
 Spend time with the patient and family
 If possible, allow the patient to go home to perform rituals if they wish