NUR 221 - Ch 3 WB - Chronic Illness and End-of-Life Care

Case study: Elizabeth is a 62 year old who was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago and has successfully managed her illness until the last year. Recent diagnostic studies reveal that her

cancer has metastasized to her brain, liver, and lungs. Four months ago, her doctor gave her less than 6 months to live. She is presently in hospice care and having difficulty breathing.

identify and describe eight tasks that are essential for nurses to manage patients at the end of life

Apply skills for communicating with terminally ill patients and their families

describe implications of caring for patients with chronic illnesses for nursing practice

Define and compare palliative and hospice care describe the principles and components of hospice care identify barriers to improving care at the end of life

Learning objectives

Define chronic illness

identify factors related to the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses

describe characteristics of chronic illness and its impact on patients