Question

1. Mr. Wilson has been a resident of your facility for the past two years. He has been diagnosed as having cancer of the liver and his· case is not considered treatable. Although his looks would not tell you, It has been estimated that he has only a few months to live. He has no children, but does have a niece who is close to him and visits every week. Mr. Wilson seems quite fond of this niece and her three children (2 boys, 1 girl).
2. Mr. WIison is a veteran of WW2. A brave soldier, he was awarded many medals and decorations. His room has been filled with photos and mementos, and he has often told you the stories that the items represent.   ·

Mr. Wilson is aware of his illness and of its expected course. He has seemed to accept the diagnosis and has gone along making all the "reasonable plans•. In the last few weeks, though, he appears to have changed. He no longer talks to you about the things ln his room, saying, "They're just something to get rid of once I'm gone." Last week, he asked the housekeeper to pack up the items, saying that they didn!t matter to anyone but him, and it

would be "one less thing to do later". At the same time, he seems sad that these items seem to have no future use. You've become quite fond of Mr. Wilson and are disturbed about his comments

1. What do you think are Mr. Wilson's thoughts and feelings?

2. Explain how his ..behaviour relatE!)S to the process and stages of dying?

3.How might his behaviours and feelings affect his family members?

4. What are your thoughts and feelings? Explain how they relate to your beliefs about illness, health care and death.

5. Describe the approaches that the PSW should take to help Mr. WIison and his family

Answer 1

Answer: Mr. Wilson's thoughts and feelings includes the calmness as he has accepted that he is going to die very soon. The patient has been mentally prepare to face the death issues. The patient is upset about the achievement that he gained is of no use now.

The behavior includes sadness, stop talking much about the things and lifetime achievement shows that patient has accepted the truth and is near to dying process.

This behaviour of the patient may result in mental stress among family members as they would feel anticipatory greif. The family members would be emotional for their would be loss.

Life is uncertain and in the case where no treatment is available and patient is unable to bear pain could result in more sufferings. Hence patient needs spiritual care, at the end of life process. It is important to provide cultural competence environment to the dying patient.