Question

The patient is terminally ill and is under hospice care. The nurse cares for the patient by bathing, shaving, and repositioning him. The family believes that the end is very near and would like a Catholic priest called to provide the patient with the Sacrament of the Sick. The nurse places a call to the Catholic Church the patient attended and arranges for the priests visit. Under which of the following theories does the nurses care fall?

Answer 1

The nurse's activities in providing comfort and arranging for the Sacrament of the Sick for a terminally ill patient in hospice care align with the principles of social gerontology and thanatology, embodying a holistic care approach.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's care of the terminally ill patient under hospice care falls under the holistic care approach which is consistent with the principles of social gerontology and thanatology. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and supporting the quality of life until the end, recognizing that for terminally ill individuals, cure-oriented treatments are no longer beneficial. The nurse's actions reflect a commitment to comfort care, fulfilling the patient's medical, emotional, and spiritual needs, which is integral to hospice care. This includes attending to daily needs, arranging for a religious sacrament according to the patient's beliefs, and supporting the family during this challenging time.