Page 189 - Demonstrating skill coppysaved colored-converted

10. Suction the patient's mouth and upper airway to remove secretions.
11. Elevate the head of the bed to decrease respiratory resistance.
12. Offer fluids frequently, and lubricate the patient's lips and mouth with petroleum jelly or
lemon-glycerin swabs to counteract dryness.
13. If the comatose patient's eyes are open, provide eye care to prevent corneal ulceration.
14. Provide ordered pain medication as needed.

Meeting emotional needs
1. Fully explain all care and treatments to the patient even
2. Answer any questions as much as possible without sound.
4. Allow the patient to express his feelings, which may range from anger to loneliness.
5. Take time to talk with the patient.
6. Sit near the head of the bed, and avoid looking rushed or unconcerned.
7. Notify family members, if they're absent when the patient wishes to see them. Let the
patient and his families discuss death at their own pace.
8. Offer to contact a member of the clergy or social services department, if appropriate.
9. Record changes in the patient's vital signs, intake, and output.
10. Note the times of cardiac arrest and the end of respiration, and notify the physician when
these occur.
Special considerations
1. If the patient has signed a living will, the physician will write a Do-not-resuscitate (DNR)
order on his progress notes and order sheets.
2. Know your state's policy regarding the living will.
3. If it's legal, transfer the DNR order to the patient's chart or Kardex and, at the end of your
shift, inform the incoming staff of this order.
4. If family members remain with the patient, show them the location of bathrooms,
lounges, and cafeterias.
5. Explain the patient's needs, treatments, and care plans to them. If appropriate, offer to
teach them specific skills so they can take part in nursing care.
6. Emphasize that their efforts are important and effective. As the patient's death
approaches, give them emotional support.
7. At an appropriate time, ask the family whether they have considered an organ and tissue
donation. C
8. Check, the patient's records to determine whether he completed an organ donor card.

Death may come to all of us. We must try to make the patient comfortable and free
from pain until the end
If the dying patient is in a ward, move him to a room where there are no other patients,
if possible. If this is impossible, put a screen around his bed.
Try not to disturb other patients.
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