Diane Hyder CHCPA301B

Assessment 2- Case StudyScenario 1- Mr Thompson’s Story

A Palliative approach for Mr. Thompson would be aimed at improving his quality of life and that of his families through holistic care that aims to reduce his suffering by early identification, assessment and treatment of his pain, physical, cultural, psychological, spiritual and cultural needs. A Palliative approach is not confined to end stages of illness. Instead a palliative approach provides focus for a positive approach with active comfort measures that reduces Mr. Thompson symptoms and distress, which facilitates Mr. Thompson understanding that they are been actively supported through the process. Underlying the philosophy of the Palliative approach is a positive and open attitude to death and dying. Therefore allowing for open discussion between multidisciplinary team, family and Mr. Thompson about what his wishes for end of life are. For some members of the multidisciplinary team this can cause an ethical dilemma as Mr. Thompson is choosing to be palliative, he is making choice not to have surgery but rather to die with dignity and in his own terms. (Mitchell 2008, Dawbin, Rogers et al. 2009, Cameron-Taylor 2012)This care is best delivered by a multidisciplinary team who can support Mr. Thompson and his family. Within Bathurst a Palliative team exists that has Clinical Nurses Consultants, psychologist, social worker, General practitioner and Pain specialist whom can work with Mr Thompson, his family and the carers to ensure palliative approach occurs so that Mr Thompson wishes can be meet. As a Carer it is important to recognise and accept one’s limits and know who else might have the skills and knowledge to help Mr Thompson from within the multidisciplinary team. A first important step is to undertake a detailed assessment and developing associated care plan so that Mr Thompsons needs are meet. A few areas identified would beWound CareWith palliative care patients who have wounds, the focus changes from what may be best for the wound to what’s best for the client. Thus viewing Mr. Thompson in a holistic manner. The goal is to give him the control, facilitating the highest level of independence, dignity, and comfort while managing odor, controlling exudate, and providing adequate pain control.Managing odor and exudate helps our patients maintain dignity, and using dressings that help control odor, such as charcoal dressings or even a wound management device, can be very helpful. Pain ControlPain control is also extremely important for Mr. Thompson. Anticipating a dressing change not only can cause undue anxiety but heighten his sense of perceived pain as well. Pain medication will be required. It is important that the assistant in nursing, communicate with Mr. Thompson, his family, and document any pain that Mr. Thompson is in, while also communicating this to palliative team so Mr. Thompson is appropriately medicated so that he is not in pain.Activity of Daily L iving Mr. Thompson should be helped to achieve activity of daily living such as showering, eating, dressing while respecting his independence and ability to do some tasks. For example he may be able to shower his top half of his body, if he was set up in the shower. He may be able to put his shirt on if passed to him. He could feed himself if sat up appropriately.

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Diane Hyder CHCPA301B

Cameron-Taylor, E. (2012). The Palliative Approach: A Resource for Healthcare Workers, M&K Update Limited.

Dawbin, D., et al. (2009). Aged Care in Australia: a guide for aged care workers, TAFE NSW, Community Services, Health, Tourism and Recreation Curriculum Centre.

Mitchell, G. (2008). Palliative Care: A Patient-centered Approach, Radcliffe.

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