Dyspnea is the medical term for difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath in patients. Dyspnea can be a sign of other underlying medical conditions in the patient such as respiratory diseases. Dyspnea is a common symptom in patients with advanced terminal illnesses such as lung cancer and other end-stage heart and lung diseases. It is therefore vital to understand how to assess and manage the symptom at the end of life care.
Assessment of Dyspnea in End of Life Care
At the end of life care, it is critical to assess dyspnea specific to the patient. This ensures that the patient receives personalized attention that eases the suffering associated with dyspnea. There are several factors that I would consider. First, I would evaluate the timing of dyspnea. Assessment of the duration and the frequency of dyspnea would provide vital information in the management of the symptom. Secondly, I would evaluate the factors that trigger the symptom. This would help in the determination of the underlying medical conditions causing dyspnea (Sherman, 2010). For instance, exercise can trigger dyspnea in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Lastly, I would also assess other associated symptoms that would help in the identification of the underlying medical issues. Physical examination of the patient would also help in the assessment of Dyspnea.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Measurement and Management of Dyspnea in End of Life Care
Measurement of Dyspnea requires extensive use of both the one-dimensional and multidimensional instruments to measure physical activity of the patients. Based on my assessment, I would choose one of the tools to measure dyspnea in my patients. For instance, the Visual Analogue Scale would help to measure the extremes of dyspnea in my patient. The measurement would help me to choose the best management approach. For instance, changing the positioning of the patient would help to provide more comfort and improve the breathing experience. Another management approach would be to regulate the patient's room temperature. Also, cooling the patient's body would have a significant impact on improved breathing (Sherman, 2010). Lastly, I would retrain my patients on the use of diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing which would relieve dyspnea. Also, I would encourage breathing exercises which would improve the lung function.
The fact that there are limited evidenced-based practices in the management of dyspnea at the end of life care may have an emotional toll on the parents and families with terminally ill patients. The suffering of the patients at the end of life care may even traumatize some of the family members and have psychological effects on them. No one wishes to see their loved ones suffering; hence it would be devastating to know that little can be done to ease the suffering.
References
Sherman, D. W. (2010). Palliative care nursing: Quality care to the end of life. Springer Publishing Company.
