BIOC33H3 Lecture Notes - Physical Therapy, Terminal Illness, Death Care Industry In The United States
25 Mar 2013
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Document Summary
End-of-life care (eol care) is the term currently used to describe issues related to dying and death care. Eol care focuses on the physical and psychosocial needs of the patients and their families at the end of life. Death is the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory function or the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem. Bereavement is an individual"s emotional response to the loss of a significant person. Grief develops from bereavement and is a dynamic psychologic and physiologic response following the loss. Assessment of spiritual needs in eol care is a key consideration. Family involvement is integral to providing culturally competent eol care. Persons who are legally competent may choose organ donation. Advance care planning is focused on anticipated challenges that the patient and family will face because of illness, medical treatment, and other concerns. The nurse needs to be aware of legal issues and the wishes of the patient.
