Symptom Guide

Symptom Guide

Symptom Guide Understand common symptoms and how to provide comfort as these symptoms occur. Provide Comfort Be there for them; often just being present is enough. It may not be necessary to talk or fill the time with activity.  Your quiet presence can be a simple and...
Provide Comfort

Provide Comfort

  Provide Comfort Allow your loved one to sleep as much as they wish.   Turn your loved one if it makes them more comfortable.   Wet their mouth with a washcloth or wet sponge. Apply lip balm.  Do not use a petroleum based lip balm if your loved one is on...
Delirium

Delirium

 DeliriumDelirium is a sudden change in a person’s mental status over a period of hours to days.  It is a mental clouding with less awareness of one’s environment.  They may be confused about time, place and person.  They may have their days and nights mixed up. ...
Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and Vomiting

 Nausea and VomitingNausea and vomiting may be related to the disease process, constipation, or the medications being taken.  If the patient has nausea and/or vomiting let the nurse know.  Together, you will determine the cause and treat it accordingly.   Medications...
Terminal Secretions or “Death Rattle”

Terminal Secretions or “Death Rattle”

 Terminal Secretions or “Death Rattle”In the last hours of life, you may notice a rattling or wet sound in the patient’s breathing.  This happens because fluids build up in the back of the throat and in the upper airways.  We have all experienced this accumulation of...
Breathing Difficulties

Breathing Difficulties

 Breathing DifficultiesShortness of breath (SOB) is a common symptom at the end of life.  It can occur with disorders of the lungs such as cancer or COPD.  It can also be a result of fluid retention.  If the patient feels he/she cannot get enough air, it can be very...