Darlene Rose R.

Bongcawil
N33

A terminally ill cancer patient needs an approach to care that would address the person as a
whole, not just their disease. Since the cancer is already at the end stage, it can be with or without
curative care. The goal is to relieve pain, and symptoms, and provide comfort to ease the
suffering of the patient. The type of care that the patient requires is Hospice care.
A multidisciplinary team, which includes nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physical
therapists, psychologists, registered dieticians, and others, provides hospice care, a type of
palliative care. They collaborate to manage the patient's pain and prevent any further discomfort
from occurring. Patients who are critically ill also have concerns about loss of dignity and loss of
control. A way to provide comfort to the patient is by allowing him/her to express their feelings
such as fears and concerns about dying, and leaving the family and peers behind. As a nurse,
careful listening is crucial.
The top priority in caring for a critically ill cancer patient is managing their physical, emotional,
coping, spiritual, caregiver, and practical needs. With a family member acting as the main
caregiver, hospice care can be given at home. However, nursing homes assisted living facilities,
hospitals, and specific hospice facilities all offer hospice care.