End-of-Life Issues: Physiologic Changes at the End of Life

For healthcare professionals to provide compassionate, quality care to patients at the end of life, they must understand the many changes the patient undergoes. Holistic end-of-life care provides relief, comfort, and support whenever possible. It involves a comprehensive approach to the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the individual during this unique time in their lives.

Purpose/GoalThe outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the physiologic changes in body systems associated with the end of life and guidelines for the care of specific physical symptoms at the end of life.

Course Objectives – Upon completion you will be able to do the following:

1. Describe major physiologic changes at the end of life related to the cardiovascular system.
2. Describe major physiologic changes at the end of life related to the gastrointestinal system.
3. Describe major physiologic changes at the end of life related to the nervous system.
4. Describe end-of-life changes in the respiratory system.
5. Describe end-of-life changes in the renal system.
6. Describe end-of-life changes associated with malignancies.
7. Explain the end-of-life changes that occur with HIV/AIDS.
8. Describe clinical care guidelines for specific conditions at the end of life, including ascites, cachexia, and anorexia.
9. Describe clinical care guidelines for the end-of-life conditions of constipation and diarrhea.
10. Describe clinical care guidelines for the end-of-life conditions of cough and fatigue.
11. Describe clinical care guidelines for the end-of-life conditions of nausea and vomiting.
12. Discuss the symptoms present in the final days and hours of life.

CONTACT HOURS–3.50