Assess how much help patient wants. Patient may need a higher degree of independence than caregiver wants to allow.- Offer to spend time either reading to patient or just sitting there quietly. Typically, patient approaching death desires the presence of another but isn't interested in conversing.
- If patient is confused, provide reassurance by telling patient who's in the room. This information may help to reduce anxiety.
- Provide comfort measures—bathing, massage, regulation of environmental temperature, mouth care, administration of ice chips or wet washcloth—according to patient's preferences. Some patients may prefer not to be bothered unless they specifically request comfort measures.
- Help family members identify, discuss, and resolve issues related to patient's dying. Patient needs the support of family members. Family members may need help removing emotional blocks that prevent them from providing full support to patient.
- Demonstrate to patient your willingness to discuss spiritual aspects of death and dying to foster open discussion. Keep conversation focused on patient's spiritual values and the role they play in coping with dying to ensure that your interaction with patient remains therapeutic.
Refer patient to a priest, minister, rabbi, or spiritual counselor according to patient's preference to show respect for patient's beliefs and provide expert spiritual care.- Ask if there's a prayer or words of spiritual comfort that are especially meaningful to patient, and recite this special prayer together if patient seems comfortable with your request. Doing so will demonstrate support for patient's spiritual needs and convey caring and acceptance.
- Help patient cope by listening actively and communicating acceptance of patient's thoughts and feelings. Dying patients need the opportunity to express their feelings.
- Provide simple physical gestures of support such as holding hands with patient. Encourage family members to do the same. Verify with patient that your actions aren't intrusive. As patients begin to let go, they sometimes want to experience less touching.
- Reassure patient that he or she won't be left alone; however, respect patient's requests to be alone. For some patients, asking to be alone is part of the process of letting go.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Active Listening; Anticipatory Guidance; Family Involvement Promotion; Pain Management; Spiritual Support; Touch |