Question

Jordan Miles is an 89 year old male admitted toa facility on Hospice and terminal lung cancer. History includes COPD, Hypertension , Brochitis, and BPH. His wife is very present and always a part of his care. Today she comes into his room and finds him with shallow respirations, unresponsive to touch and stimul, and making gurgling noises. You notice the odd look on her face as she stands at the patients door. You come into the room, raise Mr. Miles HOB, provide oropharyngeal suction and provide Mr. Miles with PRN medications (Scopolamine Hydrobromide 0.25-mg /0.1-mL Topical gel apply moderate amount to to chest and neck area every 3-4 hours prn) for extra secreations and anxiety. Once finished you educate Mrs. Miles on the next steps and process. She states she understands however, proceeds to have a seat at his bedside and says " I don't know if I will be able to live without him"

A: Why is Mr. Miles unresponsive now?

B. What can you do to help Mrs. Miles with her anticipatory grief?

C. What support should you suggest to Mrs. Miles after his death?

Answer 1

A Why is Mr. Miles unresponsive now?

-Signs of approaching death

Death from cancer usually occurs after a person has become weaker and more tired over several weeks or months. It is not always possible to predict how long someone will live. But some common signs and symptoms show that a person is entering the final weeks and days of life. Knowing what to expect helps relieve anxiety and allows better planning

B. What can you do to help Mrs. Miles with her anticipatory grief?

- reassurance that we will do our best

- make her understand he is so tired , it will be much more for him to have pain

- hope for the best

C. What support should you suggest to Mrs. Miles after his death?

- mental support

- engage her in some activities

- keep in touch with her often

- when possible give her a visit