Quality Of Life Care Case Study Thomas

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Quality of Life and Functioning Thomas Case Scenario By Vanessa Schneider Western Governors University Personal Perceptions On May 8, 1990 my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. That day is clearly etched in my mind, because it was my birthday. Less than two years later she died. Having lived a scenario close to Mrs. Thomas’s, I personally can speak about how one’s own perceptions in regard to quality of life and health promotion might affect the care administered to a patient with a terminal illness. Often when providing care for a patient with a lingering illness the nurse must refocus to ensure the needs and wants of the patient and family are being followed and not allow her own personal beliefs to interfere. The nurse…show more content…
The palliative team may consist of the doctors, nurses, councilors, social workers, dieticians, clergy, therapist and trained volunteers. “Palliative care addresses the emotional, physical, practical, and spiritual issues of cancer” (Arthur Unknown, 2010). However, considering that the breast cancer has metastasized to the lungs, and no further treatment options are viable, a hospice evaluation appears to be warranted. Hospice, like palliative care includes the same interdisciplinary team members. “Hospice care is a form of palliative care that is given to a person when cancer therapies are no longer controlling the disease. It focuses on caring, not curing. When a person has a terminal diagnosis (usually defined as having a life expectancy of 6 months or less) and is approaching the end of life, he or she might be eligible to receive hospice care” ( Author Unknown, 2010). “The goal of hospice is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice affirms life and does not hasten or postpone death” (Author Unknown, 2012). Most hospitals will provide hospice care regardless of the patient’s ability to…show more content…
Thomas about her disease and its outcome may be needed. Explaining how cancer metastasis and what to expect at each stage will give Mrs. Thomas a sense of control. It will allow her to make informed decisions about her own care such as; implementing advance directives and or code status documents. Reiterate that pain control will give her more quality time with loved ones and allow her to be independent for as long as possible. The goal is to keep her pain under control if not completely relieved. Other medications (stool softeners) may be added to her drug regiment to counter act some of the side effects of Vicodin. Controlling pain will enable her to remain mobile for as long as possible, therefore promoting independence. Social isolation secondary to lack of personal involvement of sons, friends and few female family members is another concern. The nurse and the patient working in unison will develop a care plan to slowly increase the involvement of others. The goal is for Mrs. Thomas to become more socially active. Encouraging her to talk with coworkers and allowing them to visit her will promote self worth and diminish the focus on her disease. Lack of personal contact with her sons is also an issue. As stated earlier developing a plan to have the family Skype would allow them to visually see and speak to one another. Counseling the sons may also be successful in having them visit Mrs. Thomas more

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