Management of a patient with terminal illness: The final stages of life
Publication Details
Glare, P., & Clark, K. (2008). Management of a patient with terminal illness: The final stages of life. Medicine Today, 9(6), 40-48.
Abstract
An understanding of the expected death trajectory allows advanced planning for end of life care. Patients with a terminal illness may develop new and sometimes distressing symptoms during the final stages of life. These symptoms include breathlessness, noisy respirations, agitation and pain. All symptoms should be addressed, but the investigations need to be tailored to the patient's life expectancy. GPs are pivotal to the provision of end of life care of patients in the home and aged care facilities. Good end of life care also requires death preparation and family support, including bereavement support.
Keywords
peer-reviewed
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