The purpose of this reflection is for learners to apply this week’s lesson on assessment at end of life to past practice experiences, and to consider how knowledge gained this week might shape future practice.
Course Outcomes
This reflection enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
CO 2: Differentiate between normal and abnormal health assessment findings. (PO 4)
CO 3: Describe physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual influences on an individual’s health status. (PO 1)
CO 6: Demonstrate professional behavior and caring during patient interactions. (POs 6, 7)
Due Date
- Answer post due by Wednesday 11:59 p.m. MT in Week 8
- Two replies to classmates and/or instructor due by Saturday 11:59 p.m. MT at the end of Week 8
Points Possible
50 points
Directions
- Reflection is an activity that involves your deep thought into your own experiences related to the concepts of the week. Answers should be detailed.
- Use the rubric on this page as you compose your answers. Note that no scholarly sources are required for this reflection.
Share with your classmates a time when you cared for a patient at the end of their life. This may be a time when you assisted the patient (or their support system) with decisions related to end of life care; or a time when you were present for the death of a patient.
- What were your observations related to this experience?
- Do you believe it was a peaceful death?
- What went well?
- Can you think of anything that could have made the experience better for the patient and/or family?
Solution:
End of life care for me as a nurse is among the most difficult times for me as a nurse because I understand the difficulties experienced by the family members. My most memorable end of life patient was an elderly Hispanic man with metastatic pancreatic cancer. My observations during this case were that the patient’s family was very attentive and helped with anything that their parents needed. As the patient’s condition deteriorated, I spoke with the family about transferring from home care to Hospice but they insisted that the patient had advanced directives (ADs) gave clear instructions that he should be left to spend his last days at…Please click the icon below to purchase the full solution at only $5