END-OF-LIFE CARE AND PALLIATIVE CARE PRACTICES – LECTURE
NOTES
Course; diploma and undergraduate nursing students
1. Introduction
Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at improving the quality of life of
patients and their families facing life-threatening illness, through prevention
and relief of suffering by early identification, assessment, and treatment of
pain and other problems.
End-of-life care (EOLC) refers to care provided in the final weeks or days of
life, when death is anticipated and the focus shifts from cure to comfort.
2. Goals of Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Relief from pain and distressing symptoms
Affirm life and regard dying as a normal process
Provide psychological, social, and spiritual support
Support families before and after death
Maintain dignity and comfort
Improve quality of life
3. Principles of Palliative Care
Patient-centered and family-focused
Holistic (physical, psychological, social, spiritual)
Appropriate at any stage of serious illness
Can be given alongside curative treatment
Interdisciplinary team approach
Respects patient autonomy and choices
4. Indications for Palliative Care
Advanced cancer
End-stage heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease
, HIV/AIDS
Neurodegenerative diseases
Severe congenital or chronic illnesses
Terminal illnesses with poor prognosis
5. Components of Palliative Care
A. Physical Care (Symptom Management)
Common Symptoms and Management
Pain: Analgesics (WHO pain ladder), non-pharmacological measures
Dyspnea: Oxygen therapy, positioning, opioids if prescribed
Nausea & vomiting: Antiemetics, dietary modification
Fatigue: Energy conservation, rest periods
Constipation: Laxatives, hydration, fiber (if appropriate)
Anorexia: Small frequent meals, mouth care
B. Psychological Care
Patients may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and anger.
Nursing Interventions:
Active listening
Emotional reassurance
Encourage expression of feelings
Refer to counseling or mental health services
Maintain presence and empathy
C. Social Care
Address family dynamics
Financial and caregiving concerns
Assist with social support systems
Facilitate communication between patient and family
D. Spiritual Care
NOTES
Course; diploma and undergraduate nursing students
1. Introduction
Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at improving the quality of life of
patients and their families facing life-threatening illness, through prevention
and relief of suffering by early identification, assessment, and treatment of
pain and other problems.
End-of-life care (EOLC) refers to care provided in the final weeks or days of
life, when death is anticipated and the focus shifts from cure to comfort.
2. Goals of Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Relief from pain and distressing symptoms
Affirm life and regard dying as a normal process
Provide psychological, social, and spiritual support
Support families before and after death
Maintain dignity and comfort
Improve quality of life
3. Principles of Palliative Care
Patient-centered and family-focused
Holistic (physical, psychological, social, spiritual)
Appropriate at any stage of serious illness
Can be given alongside curative treatment
Interdisciplinary team approach
Respects patient autonomy and choices
4. Indications for Palliative Care
Advanced cancer
End-stage heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease
, HIV/AIDS
Neurodegenerative diseases
Severe congenital or chronic illnesses
Terminal illnesses with poor prognosis
5. Components of Palliative Care
A. Physical Care (Symptom Management)
Common Symptoms and Management
Pain: Analgesics (WHO pain ladder), non-pharmacological measures
Dyspnea: Oxygen therapy, positioning, opioids if prescribed
Nausea & vomiting: Antiemetics, dietary modification
Fatigue: Energy conservation, rest periods
Constipation: Laxatives, hydration, fiber (if appropriate)
Anorexia: Small frequent meals, mouth care
B. Psychological Care
Patients may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and anger.
Nursing Interventions:
Active listening
Emotional reassurance
Encourage expression of feelings
Refer to counseling or mental health services
Maintain presence and empathy
C. Social Care
Address family dynamics
Financial and caregiving concerns
Assist with social support systems
Facilitate communication between patient and family
D. Spiritual Care
