Cancer Patient's Home Setting: A Case Study

A Public Health Nurse’s Role in a Cancer Patient’s Home Setting
A. An RN’s perceptions
Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is, no doubt, devastating for the one diagnosed and their loved ones as well. My hope is that dying is an option that is used as a last resort when all other resources have been exhausted. Eventually it can be something that allows them to have a sense of peace. Nurses are often there for patients before the patient has come to terms with their fate. In various settings, I have to be aware of how I feel about death and dying so that I can address the patient’s concerns in the most sympathetic and professional way possible. Until one is put in a similar situation, it is hard to say what one would do when faced with
It is important that the patient feels that they are in control of their plan of care and that the loved ones are happy that their wishes are being fulfilled. Often, the physical aspects of it are the most predictable for me, as the nurse, and most traumatic for the loved ones. The nurse should be able to explain to the loved ones what is going to or what could happen before it takes place. And they should be prepared to listen to the patient and/or family members express their concerns through their tears, hold their hand if needed, and offer support to help them accept their
and Mrs. Thomas will need to play an active role in promoting Mrs. Thomas’ health. Although her health will steadily decline, she needs to feel as independent as possible for as long as possible. As previously discussed, pain management will be key to improving Mrs. Thomas’ functional ability. Oppositely, while the relief of pain will always add to the facilitation of functional ability, side effects of many pain medications can have an adverse affect on functional ability. Too many or the wrong kind can be unsafe as well. Mrs. Thomas would likely benefit from a walker or cane, and needs to be educated on the need for assistance when ambulating. The PHN would assess the safety of the environment at the Thomas’ home. As Mrs. Thomas becomes weaker and has more trouble ambulating, they would need to get rid of any area/throw rugs that could make her fall. They would need to install grab bars in the bathrooms, make sure the house was well-lit, and that handicap features were installed where necessary, such as ramps at the front