Chapter 20

What elements go into the idea of “quality of life” for the elderly? So many times we discuss the quality of life when someone elderly becomes very ill. The topic of quality is usually brought up for discussion as the ethical standard.

Instructions:

1. Read Chapter 20 carefully.
2. Describe what “quality of life” aspects are relevant when a very elderly person is near death and you are the caregiver.

Answer preview

Nurses play an integral role in keeping patients safe. A positive nurse-patient relationship is essential, especially during end-of-life care for the elderly. The nurse-patient relationship when caring for the aging patient is often fiduciary. According to Mauk (2010), a fiduciary relationship is present as the elderly patient is dependent on the nurse to make proper health decisions due to the patient’s decreased cognitive ability…

 

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