Knowledge Assessment, Coursework Example

What is Palliative Care and how does this differ from Hospice Care? Incorporate the meaning of a “good death” vs. a “bad death.” 

Palliative care is an approach to care that includes the development of a specific strategy that supports the symptoms and challenges of serious health conditions (Dossey, 2013). This type of care is designed to improve quality of life and to enhance the support system for patients of all ages who face serious illness (Dossey, 2013). Hospice care is a benefit provided through Medicare that supports the palliative care mission for patients who are terminal and who do not have much longer to live (Dossey, 2013). A “good death” is characterized as a patient experiencing a greater sense of comfort and acceptance that the end has come, while a “bad death” perhaps does not provide the same level of comfort and understanding for a patient, which may be distinguished by a limited support system and lack of an effective palliative care strategy (Dossey, 2013).

Describe the process of grief and loss and how we as humanistic nurses can assist our patients through this necessary process.

Grief is a complex phenomenon that nurses often experience, while simultaneously providing support to family members. It is often difficult for nurses to accept the death of their patients, particularly when they have grown close to them; however, this is a naturally occurring phenomenon that continues to challenge nurses and their strengths in providing comfort and support to patients (Wright and Hogan, 2008). Under these conditions, nurses must reflect upon the different types of grief and the process that evolves so that patient families are provided with optimal support and comfort at all times (Wright and Hogan, 2008). There are a number of theories surrounding grief and its impact on patients; however, considerable attention has been paid towards the development of grief education for nurses so that they are able to work effectively with patient families and provide much needed support in their time of need (Wright and Hogan, 2008). These efforts play a significant role in enabling families to understand why their loved ones have been taken and that nurses and other healthcare providers offered optimal palliative care during the end of life (Wright and Hogan, 2008). These elements are critical in enabling nurses to also accept grief and to recognize the need to expand grief education to better manage the overall grieving experience (Wright and Hogan, 2008).

What is CAM? Discuss the impact of CAM in the United States. Which CAM therapies are most commonly used by U.S. adults? How can CAM be a beneficial modality utilized in your nursing practice? Describe two experiential processes that were demonstrated in class and how it affected you in your humanistic nursing role. Describe 4 methods you would consider implementing in your practice and their evidenced based practice benefits.

CAM is better known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which utilizes non-pharmacological approaches in order to manage a variety of health conditions (Dossey, 2013). This type of approach to healthcare is most commonly used in the form of herbal therapies, as well as other strategies, such as yoga, massage, and other forms of exercise that promote healing (Dossey, 2013). CAM has expanded in scope and popularity, but remains secondary to pharmacological approaches and traditional clinical interventions; therefore, it is important to recognize the value of developing new perspectives that will encourage patients to consider CAM therapies to replace and/or supplement traditional strategies (Dossey, 2013). Nurses must continue to consider the benefits of CAM for their patients and recognize the importance of new perspectives in order to ensure that their patients have the best possible chance of recovery and wellbeing (Dossey, 2013). Four methods to consider include 1) Yoga, which appears to have healing and relaxation benefits; 2) Massage, which stimulates muscle relaxation and blood circulation; 3) Herbal therapies, which enhance body system function; and 4) Acupuncture, which stimulates body function and alleviates pain (Dossey, 2013).

Explain the cycles of addiction. What is meant by the term spiritual development and transformation in relation to a 12 step program? Describe commonly abused drugs and the related effects of intoxication. Discuss the implications of substance abuse on the professional nurse?

The cycle of addiction includes such factors as a reward or benefit in using a mind-altering substance; the expanded use of a drug to achieve more routine benefits and to increase tolerance; a continued increase that reduces any motivation to quit; the necessity to use the drug on a regular basis to enhance and stabilize mood; and acts of desperation to obtain the drug and use on a frequent basis (Dossey, 2013). In response to the challenges of addiction, it is important to identify the issues that are most relevant to nurses in providing patients with an understanding of the extent of this addiction and how it might be supported by entering a 12-step program to begin the recovery process (Dossey, 2013). In this context, a spiritual connection is necessary in order to recognize the need for treatment and to explore recovery as part of the healing process (Dossey, 2013). Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and alcohol have different effects on mood and body systems, and as time passes, become increasingly difficult to overcome; therefore, nurses and other practitioners must play an important role in providing patients facing addiction with opportunities to enter treatment and to achieve the appropriate outcomes through the chosen treatment strategy, including the ability to recover from addiction on a permanent basis (Dossey, 2013).

Explain assessment, communication, education, and referral strategies for medical surgical patients with the comorbidity of anxiety and mood disorders. Discuss what you as a nurse healer utilizing a holistic approach can implement to alleviate anxiety and mood disorders.

The role of family throughout human existence is critical to longevity, improved health, and general wellbeing. Family serves as an in-house support system to enhance the growth and development of human beings from birth to adulthood, and also demonstrates the importance of different factors that play a role in preserving health. In times of crisis, families offer a connection that is unbreakable, a bond that cannot be deterred in enabling individuals to overcome crises as best as possible. In addition, family members offer much-needed support and encouragement when individuals face health challenges and other factors that may limit their wellbeing. At the same time, families provide the basis for a strong set of core values that are enhanced throughout the life span and that provide a basis for the expansion of personal growth and development. It is necessary for individuals to rely on their family members to provide them with guidance, advice, support, and encouragement throughout all stages of the life span. These efforts demonstrate that families hold the key to personal satisfaction, contentment, and general wellbeing in all stages of life, and in particular, during times of crisis or extreme need. When all else fails, families provide the support that is necessary to move forward and to overcome adversity.

References

Dossey, B.M. (2013). Holistic Nursing: a Handbook for Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Wright, P.M., and Hogan, N.S. (2008). Grief theories and models: applications to hospice nursing practice. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 10(6), 350-356.