Practical Guide: Approach to the Period Called Agony
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24950/rspmi.578Keywords:
Terminal Care, Palliative Care, DeliriumAbstract
The period of so called agony comprises the last hours or days of life, in which patients experience clinical and phy- siological changes, along with new symptoms or the exa- cerbation of existing ailments. These patients require direc- ted-care specific and appropriate to their needs, in order to improve their comfort. The objective of this study was to pre- sent a current literature review and analysis to the approach to patient care in the last hours or days of life. Patient symp- toms and signs during this period include exacerbations of the existing symptoms and the onset of new ailments, such as: the decline of the level of consciousness; deterioration of the physical state; the reduction of food and fluid intake; the increase in oropharyngeal secretions; changes in elimi- nation; instances of peripheral edema; changes in body tem- perature; peripheral perfusion alteration; signs of respiratory distress; and understanding, verbalized or not, of the reality of their impending death. We consider it imperative to train and involve health care professionals and their caregivers in patient comprehensive care of the patient at the end of life.
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