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LIFE – UNIT 8 – Problem Based Learning Case

PALLIATIVE CARE

Samantha is 21 year old female. She was diagnosed with stage four melanoma with organ involvement.
Samantha has decided not to continue with treatment and is seeking comfort measures only. She is expected to
live less than three months based on the level of metastasis and organ involvement.

Samantha was a competitive swimmer and avid runner before her diagnosis which came suddenly after her
21st birthday. Samantha was attending university to become a Social Worker, but needed to stop her studies.
Samantha was living in residence at the university but was required to move back in with her parents when she
took ill. She has a four year old niece she loved to take swimming on weekends and they have a special bond.

Samantha is becoming weaker each day and her mom now needs to help her bathe and dress – she is unable
to do this independently due to fatigue and risk for falls. She is feeling discouraged and embarrassed by the help
she requires and wants to do as much for herself as possible.

1. What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer or
heart failure. Patients in palliative care may receive medical care for their symptoms, or palliative
care, along with treatment intended to cure their serious illness.

2. What is hospice?

Hospice care is a special kind of care that focuses on the quality of life for people and their
caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice care provides
compassionate care for people in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully
and comfortably as possible. The services are provided by a team of health care professionals who
maximize comfort for a person who is terminally ill by reducing pain and addressing physical,
psychological, social and spiritual needs.

3. Would hospice or palliative care be appropriate for Samantha? Explain your answer.

Hospice care would be best for Samantha because she has received the sad news that she is expected to only have
three months to live and hospice care would be able to help her do the things she has always wanted and it will
help her address and spiritual needs she might have and it might help her feel more comfortable

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4. Based on the information in the case and the online module, what treatments do you expect you will provide
to her as an OTA & PTA? List them all.

Positioning in bed, help transfer to a comfortable reclining chair as the patient is able or wants to.
Help with walking to move as able, help with transfers.
Use of modalities for pain relief and comfort
Social presence to talk and provide support as needed
Facilitate the engagement in meaningful activities (as desired by the client)

5. What “assistive equipment” might be helpful for Samantha? Research what an OT or PT might recommend
for Samantha based on her profile.

Maybe a 4 wheeled walker,

A long claw tool to help her get dressed
A rail or bench in her shower
A cane

6. How will Samantha’s age, profile and previous occupations impact the therapy you provide to her?

Since she Is so young it would be better to do some things she may enjoy maybe get her into a swimming pool with
floaters and assistance to help her float and that also is a great therapy option is swimming. I would also tailor to
her age group where we can practice some exercises using simple easy sitting dance moves for her arms and have
her play a board game or something like that with her niece

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