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Palliative care as a nursing speciality

Article Abstract:

The specialist nature of palliative nursing should be used to the benefit of a multi-disciplinary community team, with emphasis placed on the discreet, yet peaceful death of patients as a right. Palliative nursing aims to deal with death as a normal part of life, making it as comfortable as possible but not hastening the process. Palliative nurses can also act as supporters to family members both during the dying process and afterwards, through counselling. Both hospice and community care settings are the main areas of where palliative nurses work.

Palliative treatment, Palliative care, Nursing specialties

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Dehydration before death

Article Abstract:

Intravenous infusion therapy, which prevents terminally ill patients becoming dehydrated before death has both advantages and drawbacks. It helps to relieve thirst and regulate body temperatures but can cause fluid overload resulting in increased pain or respiratory distress, and may distract from the reality of the paitent's death. The use of IV therapy is more often undertaken in hospitals than in hospices.

Usage, Intravenous therapy

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Is nursing the dying a lost art?

Article Abstract:

Consultant Maire Shelly feels that the care needed to be given to a dying person is of low importance in the United Kingdom's overstretched National Health Service. Nursing director Penny Hansford believes many nurses have these caring skills and use them effectively.

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Hansford, Penny, Shelly, Maire

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