Question

Hypothetical situation: You are caring for an emphysema patient with end stage disease. They have elected not to accept any type of life support or life sustaining therapy. What is the respiratory therapists role in the end of life care for this patient? You can be as specific as you want in terms of therapies and techniques, but considering you know little of those things at this point, think in more general terms about how to care for the dying patient.

Answer 1

Answer: In the case of the dying patient, it is important to provide them comfort care. It is essential part of the care in the last days of the patient. When patient is near to the death, it is important to provide spiritual support to the patient. One of the major goal is to relieve the pain and major sufferings of the patient. It is also necessary to respect the wishes of the dying patient. The second important things should be done to minimize the stress, burden of the patient. Encourage to be with his family. The only thing the respiratory therapist can do is to provide relief from the sufferings, minimize the stress and pain.