The Development Of Elderly Patients - 1495 Words

INTRODUCTION Today in healthcare, elderly patients are becoming increasingly more common as a result of the aging baby boomers. This rise in the aging population has led to more hospitalization and hospice care of terminally ill and end of life patients. This phase in a patient’s life is often difficult and, as nurses, it is important to make this experience as comfortable and as peaceful as possible. Often times this can be challenging because the multitude of feelings being experienced and the physiologic changes that occur are extremely individualized and are not always predictable (Hodo, A., Buller, L., 2012). Since this transition can be difficult for all involved, the peaceful end of life theory exists as a guideline to help†¦show more content†¦This theory simply asserts that nurses are essential for the creation of peaceful end of life care for a patient. This care includes giving the patient freedom from suffering, emotional support, closeness to signif icant others, participation from significant others, and treatment with both empathy and respect. It was primarily developed for use when dealing with terminally ill adults and their families who are receiving care. A terminally ill patient will often suffer from a significant amount of physical pain, so palliative care is very important and should be managed accordingly. Symptom management will extend beyond easing the emotional pain and will include symptomatic relief of constipation, nausea, dyspnea, anxiety, delirium, and depression (Alligood, M., 2013). The theory also discusses the importance of informing the patients about the different types of treatment that are available to them. It allows nurses help the patient feel some in control an uncontrollable situation. The nurse should educate the patient about their disease and help them understand what’s to come, so the patient can establish his or her wishes regarding hospice, medications, or early termination of life. All of the appropriate care options that are available to the patient should be present to the patient and the risks and benefits