NR 305 Week 8 Discussion

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-305: RN Health Assessment

Prof. Name

Date

Week 8 Discussion: Reflection on End of Life Care

Throughout my adult life, I have interacted with the elderly, and I have come to understand that death is an inevitable aspect of life. One common challenge faced by patients nearing the end of life is dry mouth and lips, which can hinder their ability to eat and drink comfortably. As they approach death, many are compelled to hold their breath during moments of distress. Aging leads to the gradual shutdown of organs, a process that can leave families feeling powerless, especially if they lack personal experience with death or haven’t been closely involved with healthcare professionals. Reflecting on my experiences, I recall that many of the final moments I have witnessed were tranquil.

Conditions such as severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) coupled with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) can result in profound respiratory distress that lasts for days or even weeks prior to death. In these situations, comfort measures, including medications and other interventions, can be invaluable once the individual has come to terms with their impending death.

I recall the passing of Jane, a neighbor from my hometown. Jane had only one child, a daughter who was present with her mother during her final days. For the last two days of Jane’s life, there were no visitors, and the burden of this experience weighed heavily on her daughter. After her mother’s passing, she struggled immensely to cope with the loss. My heart goes out to those who find it difficult to release a loved one. For individuals with spiritual beliefs, accepting such changes may come more easily than for those without such frameworks. Pre-arranging end-of-life care can alleviate some of the emotional burdens on the family. It is essential for caregivers to seize the opportunity to support families during this time. Ultimately, each patient’s and family’s journey is unique, and nurses must perform comprehensive assessments to guide them toward suitable treatment options and support systems.

Responses

Robin Elliott

Hello, Robin. I want to express my appreciation for your contributions to this week’s discussion. I am truly sorry for your loss and wish you the best as you navigate this difficult time. Losing both parents simultaneously is an immense challenge, and I empathize with the overwhelming pain that comes with such a loss. I can relate to the myriad of emotions you may have experienced, ranging from shock and anger to disbelief, guilt, and deep sorrow.

Colin Herndon

Greetings, Colin. Thank you for your valuable insights in this week’s discussion. The current pandemic has indeed affected every corner of the globe, placing immense strain on our healthcare system. In extraordinary circumstances, visitor restrictions have been implemented for inpatients, resulting in tightly controlled access to hospitals. I share your concerns; during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have faced difficulties in being able to visit their loved ones in hospital settings.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). COVID-19’s Impact on Health Care Delivery in the United States.

NR 305 Week 8 Discussion

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. (2019). Hospice Care and End-of-Life Decisions.