Demo Day # 14, Module 16 Death and Dying Lesson (2 hours)

A) Stages of grief
B) Emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family
C) Rights of the dying patient
D) Signs of approaching death
E) Monitoring of the patient
F) Post-mortem care

Statement of Purpose: The Nurse Assistant is introduced to the various stages of the grieving process and the physical signs of approaching death. This unit introduces death as a normal stage of life. The healthcare provider must recognize the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of the patient/resident during this period to understand coping mechanisms and provide support to the patient/resident and family members.

Terminology

(Patient, resident, and client are synonymous terms referring to the person receiving care)

Performance Standards (Objectives): Upon completion of the two hours of class plus homework assignments, the learner will be able to:

1. Define key terminology

2. Describe the five stages of the grieving process according to Dr. Kubler-Ross

3. Describe approaches to meet common emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients/residents and their families

4. List the rights of the dying patient/resident

5. Differentiate between common signs of approaching death and biological death

6. Identify care and comfort measures for dying patients/residents

7. Identify the philosophy and goals of hospice and the Nurse Assistant’s role when the patient/resident is cared for by a licensed hospice nurse

8. Describe procedures and responsibilities for postmortem care