You are the nurse for an older adult age 80 years old admitted to your unit in the end-of life stage. Your patient has multiple diagnoses (to include physical and psychological) and was given six weeks to live. You are assigned to this patient during his/her entire hospital stay. Your patient transitioned peacefully into the next life after battling multiple diseases, sensory and cognitive impairments. You must provide a detailed report regarding your comprehensive nursing care and treatment of this patient to include the follow:
Your project must include a religious group (Islam religion) and their beliefs as it relates to health care and how you as a nurse care for the patient Your project must include a specific culture and their beliefs and practices (Arab Americans). You must incorporate the particulars culture and beliefs as it relates to health care and how you as a nurse care for the older adult patient.
Nurses attitude toward End-of- Life Care to include: Grief and stages of grief Dying Rights of the Dying Stages of Coping with Death (Kubler-Ross) Nursing and the Dying Process ( Assessment, Nursing diagnoses, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation) Physical signs of Impending death Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Dying Euthanasia (Active Passive) Pain Control Organ and Tissue Donation Postmortem Care .
SOLUTION
As the nurse assigned to the care of an older adult in the end-of-life stage, it is crucial to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that respects the patient’s beliefs, values, and cultural background. In this scenario, the patient’s religious affiliation is Islam, and their cultural background is Arab American. Here is a detailed report regarding the nursing care and treatment provided to the patient, incorporating the specified aspects:
- Religious and Cultural Considerations:
- Islam Religion: In Islam, death is considered a natural part of life, and there are specific rituals and practices associated with end-of-life care. It is essential to respect the patient’s religious beliefs, such as reciting prayers, reading from the Quran, and ensuring that the body is handled with dignity and respect after death.
- Arab American Culture: Arab American culture places a strong emphasis on family involvement and support during times of illness and death. Family members may play a significant role in decision-making and providing emotional support to the patient. It is essential to involve the family in discussions about the patient’s care and treatment preferences.
- Nurse’s Attitude Toward End-of-Life Care:
- Grief and Stages of Grief: The nurse must be empathetic and supportive of both the patient and their family members as they navigate the grief process. Understanding the stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, can help the nurse provide appropriate support and interventions.
- Dying Rights of the Dying: It is essential to respect the patient’s autonomy and rights, including their right to make decisions about their end-of-life care, such as the use of life-sustaining treatments and palliative care options.
- Stages of Coping with Death (Kubler-Ross): Familiarity with the stages of coping with death, as proposed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance), can guide the nurse in providing emotional support and facilitating coping mechanisms for both the patient and their family.
- Nursing and the Dying Process: The nursing process, including assessment, nursing diagnoses, planning, implementation, and evaluation, should be tailored to meet the unique needs of the dying patient. This includes comprehensive physical assessments, identification of psychosocial and spiritual needs, development of individualized care plans, and ongoing evaluation of care outcomes.
- Physical Signs of Impending Death: The nurse should be knowledgeable about the physical signs and symptoms that indicate impending death, such as decreased consciousness, changes in vital signs, altered breathing patterns, and decreased urinary output.
- Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Dying: Providing holistic care involves addressing the patient’s psychosocial and spiritual needs, which may include providing emotional support, facilitating discussions about death and dying, and offering spiritual guidance and resources as requested.
- Euthanasia (Active Passive): The nurse should understand the ethical and legal considerations surrounding euthanasia, including both active and passive forms. It is essential to adhere to professional standards and legal regulations while respecting the patient’s wishes and maintaining their comfort and dignity.
- Pain Control: Ensuring adequate pain management is essential in end-of-life care. The nurse should assess and manage the patient’s pain using appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to promote comfort and quality of life.
- Organ and Tissue Donation: If the patient expresses a desire to donate organs or tissues after death, the nurse should facilitate the donation process according to organizational policies and legal requirements while respecting the patient’s wishes and cultural beliefs.
- Postmortem Care: After the patient’s death, the nurse should provide compassionate postmortem care, including cleaning and preparing the body, arranging for religious rituals or cultural practices as requested, and offering support to the family during their time of loss.
In summary, providing comprehensive end-of-life care requires nurses to consider the patient’s religious beliefs, cultural background, and individual preferences while addressing physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. By adopting a holistic approach and incorporating evidence-based practices, nurses can support patients and their families with dignity, compassion, and respect during this challenging time.