Loss and Grief: Understanding Stages and Reactions

Legal and moral protections for patients to refuse treatment.

Grief can be resolved, unresolved or inhibited/suppressed.

Legal documents outlining a person's end-of-life wishes.

Maximize quality of life through symptom management.

Issues like assisted suicide, euthanasia, and physician orders, relate to end-of-life decisions.

Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs change during a person's life.

The effects of a terminal illness on a person's body, mind, spirit, heart, and soul.

For those expected to die within 6 months.

Different categories of loss experienced, including actual (tangible), perceived (intangible), physical, psychological, maturational (developmental), situational (unexpected), and anticipatory (predicted).

A theoretical framework outlining six phases of grief: shock and disbelief, developing awareness, restitution, resolving the loss, idealization, and outcome.

Five emotional stages individuals may experience when facing death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Observable physical changes indicating approaching death, such as weakness, alterations in body temperature and vital signs, confusion, reduced socialization, sleep increase, altered toilet habits, and skin changes.

A death guided by the individual's preferences, involving holistic interdisciplinary care addressing both patient and loved ones, and prioritizing symptom relief.

The process of experiencing and coping with the loss of something significant.

The experience of grieving before the actual loss occurs, especially when facing a terminal illness.

A stage of grief where individuals begin to acknowledge and accept the loss, and start to adjust to life without the lost person or thing.

Advance directives are legal documents that outline your wishes for end-of-life care. Examples include a 'do not resuscitate' order (DNR), 'comfort measures only' instructions, and opting to 'not be hospitalized'.

After death, there are several important steps to take. This includes obtaining a death certificate, considering organ donation, potentially an autopsy, and making funeral arrangements.

Losing a loved one is a complex process. The way someone grieves can be affected by their age, family relationships, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, religious beliefs, and the specific cause of death.

Providing comfort and support for a dying patient involves addressing their physical needs. This includes maintaining personal hygiene, managing pain, ensuring adequate nutrition and fluids, assisting with movement, and providing respiratory care.

Caring for a dying patient is not just about medical needs, but also includes practical support. Families can play a crucial role in providing personal care, offering emotional support, and learning to manage the patient's needs.

Psychological care is essential for a dying patient and their family. This involves providing non-judgmental listening, offering emotional support, discussing the patient's worries and anxieties, encouraging them to reflect on life and achievements, and helping them establish and reach personal goals.

Addressing spiritual needs is vital for the well-being of a dying patient. This includes respecting their religious beliefs or lack thereof, helping them find meaning in life, and addressing questions about what happens after death.

Providing holistic care for a dying patient includes educating both the patient and their family. This involves teaching family members how to provide practical care, informing them about what to expect during the dying process, and helping the patient set and work towards their goals.