Care,the,Dying,Physical,Patien family Care of the Dying - Physical Care of the Patient
Raising a family can be challenging and stressful at times. However, the common goals and emotional, financial, and physical investments made can be a common bond between husband and wife. One that compliments their marriage relationship.Of A lot of women avoid wearing nice clothes when they getpregnant because they believe that they look fat or ugly. You know that theresnothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman glowing and smiling, so youshouldnt hide your body during p
The bedridden patient accentuates the practical problems of dealingwith a terminally ill patient. The routine of caring for a chronicallysick person is by now well established. The family must realize thatdeterioration is going to continue. Although the patient's loss ofweight makes some aspects of nursing easier, the skin is more likely tobe damaged without the protection of fat and muscle. It may take twoadults to move the patient on and off the bedpan. A visiting nurse canhelp with bed-bathing and can show the family how to carry out the morecomplicated procedures. The physician may advise the family on the useof drugs and how to insert suppositories to treat constipation or othersymptoms.Nausea and vomiting are often more distressing symptoms for thefamily and patient to deal with than pain. The symptoms may be combinedwith hiccupping, which exhausts the patient. The physician canprescribe drugs to control this. These drugs can also have a sedativeeffect if taken with painkillers. Although they can produce confusionand drowsiness, the drowsiness often benefits the patient. The drugsmay prevent the patient from feeling thirsty, so it is important toencourage him or her to drink. Assist the patient by offering frequentdrinks of cool, sweetened fluid, such as fruit juice, iced water, orherbal teas that freshen the mouth but do not have strong flavors.If the patient is suffering from a heart or lung disease,coughing may be one of the symptoms. This distresses and exhausts thepatient. The family also finds it disturbing. It is most important tocontrol the coughing at night and so allow the patient and family apeaceful sleep. Try changing the patient's position in bed. A steaminhalation at bedtime reduces irritation and helps to preventsleep-disturbing cough. Broken sleep is exhausting for the family andthe patient. If sleeplessness continues, it is sensible to arrangealternative care every other night if possible.Another symptom of heart or lung disease is shortness of breath.Coughing, or the smallest physical activity, can make the patient gaspfor breath. This causes great distress. The physician may prescribeoxygen that can be used effectively after a bad bout of coughing orrapid physical movement.The patient's strength and personality may cope with pain in asurprising manner. However, incontinence of urine and feces is ahumiliation few can tolerate. The situation requires immense care andtact, as well as tolerance, from those nursing the patient because theymust cope with the physical and psychological misery that incontinenceproduces. It is important that, despite the unpleasantness, the familyshould not let the patient feel that he or she is an intolerableburden. Incontinence must be accepted with sympathy and understanding.As the patient becomes physically weaker, the physicianadministers more drugs. The mental state of the patient changes for analert, realistic individual, to one who is often confused about timeand place. This confusion varies, and periods of normal discussionfluctuate with moments of drowsiness and loss of reality. Often thepatient is aware that he or she has been confused and is apologetic forthe trouble caused.Visitors should come for only a short time. It is best if theyknow the patient well and can remain peaceful and silent. If necessary,they can just hold the patient's hand. This physical contact is a formof communication that can produce peace and contentment.During the patient's deterioration, the appetite is usuallylost. Offer the patient small amounts of his or her favorite foods,jellies, or soups. Serve small portions of food frequently.If at any time the family feels that they cannot cope with thesituation any longer, discuss the problem with the physician. It may bethat the time has come for the patient to be hospitalized and it iswise to accept the physician's advice on this.
Care,the,Dying,Physical,Patien