Nursing care plan for dying

Introduction

When a patient is facing the end of their life, nurses have the important task of providing palliative and hospice care. This type of care is focused around providing the best possible quality of life for the patient, helping them feel as comfortable and respected as possible. A nursing care plan for dying helps to ensure that all their needs are fulfilled.

Assessment

Physical Needs: Health conditions such as pain, mobility, nutrition and hydration, skin integrity and hygiene are assessed in order to help the patient remain physically comfortable.

Psychological Needs: Nurses help the patient to manage symptoms of depression, anguish and anxiety, so the end-of-life process is not further impacted by these issues.

Social Needs: Nurses help the patient maintain social connections with family and friends, as well as exploring spiritual needs.

Nursing Diagnosis

Pain: Pain associated with their terminal diagnosis is appropriately managed.

Self-Care Deficit: The patient is able to take part in self-care activities according to their capabilities.

Risk for Injury: The patient is kept safe from harm, at all times.

Outcomes

Pain will be reduced: Pain levels will be monitored, and effective management strategies provided in order to reduce discomfort.

Self-care will be improved: The patient can take part in self-care activities that are meaningful to them, such as personal grooming and choosing their own meals.

The patient will be kept safe: The patient will be assesses for any risks of physical harm, and appropriate safety measures put in place.

Interventions

Administer medication as prescribed: Medications can be given to reduce pain, manage symptoms, and increase comfort.

Help with activities of daily living: This includes providing assistance to the patient with eating, drinking, personal grooming, going to the toilet and getting into bed.

Encourage social participation: The patient can attend family events and other gatherings as long as it is medically safe to do so.

Rationales

Medication reduces pain and manages symptoms: The correct medications can help to reduce pain and manage symptoms, thus improving the patient’s quality of life.

Assistance with activities of daily living helps the patient stay safe and comfortable: Assistance with these activities can help the patient to remain as safe and comfortable as possible.

Encouraging social participation helps the patient to stay connected: Allowing the patient to take part in social activities helps them to stay connected with family and friends.

Evaluation

The outcome of a nursing care plan for dying should be that the patient is comfortable and safe, even as their condition deteriorates. Pain and symptoms should be managed effectively, as well as any potential risks of injury. The patient should also be able to remain connected with family and friends during their end-of-life journey.

Conclusion

Nursing care plans for dying provide support to both the patient and the family, allowing the individual to experience a peaceful and dignified end-of-life transition. Pain and symptoms are managed effectively, while at the same time allowing the patient to feel safe, secure and connected.

FAQs

• What is a nursing care plan?
  A nursing care plan is a document that outlines how a patient's needs should be met, according to the individual patient's situation.
• What does a care plan for dying include?
  
  Nursing care plans for dying include assessment of physical, psychological and social needs. It also includes nursing diagnosis, outcomes, appropriate interventions and evaluation.
• What does a nurse do when caring for a dying patient?
  When caring for a dying patient, a nurse should administer medications, provide assistance with activities of daily living, and encourage social participation.
• Are there any risks associated with a nursing care plan for dying?
  The risks associated with a nursing care plan for dying are minimal, as they focus on providing the best possible quality of life and comfort for the patient.
• How often should a nursing care plan for dying be updated?
  A nursing care plan should be regularly assessed and adjusted if needed, in order to ensure the individual's needs are still being met.