end-of life care
3 categories of body changes after death
-algor mortis -postmortem decomposition -rigor mortis
Which of the following are the nurse's primary concerns when providing end-of-life care for a client and family? (Select all that apply). A. Maintaining client comfort B. Arranging plans for after death C. Supporting family members D. Providing personal care E. Completing a head-to-toe assessment F. Encouraging fluids
A. Maintaining client comfort C. Supporting family members D. Providing personal care
Which of the following remains the greatest barrier to improving end-of-life care? A. Advances in technology available to prolong life B. Clinician's attitudes toward terminally ill C. Client and family denial about seriousness of the illness D. Focus on managing acute illness to achieve a cure
B. Clinician's attitudes toward terminally ill
Pallative care versus hospice
PC=Diagnosis of a life limiting illness. Curative treatments *goal is to prevent/relieve suffering and improve quality of life Hospice=Last phases of terminal disease (less than 6 months) *goal is to live fully&comfortably and die with dignity
Algor Mortis
The cooling of the body after death from lack of circulation -swim may be sweating and moist and very fragile!
Postmortem decomposition
bruising and softening of the skin largely due to break down of RBCs (the hemoglobin released stains)
Rigor Mortis
stiffness of the body within 4 hours after death -No more ATP made causes muscle fibers to contract (ATP usually makes then relax)
