Management of Common Symptoms at End of Life in Acute Care Settings

Abstract

Symptom management at end of life is one of the many methods aimed at improving the quality of dying. Knowledge of symptoms and their management will help clinicians provide the best possible care to patients and their families. The purpose of this article is to discuss common symptoms, frequency of symptoms, appropriate assessment, and interventions. This article focuses on pain, constipation, dyspnea, fatigue, depression, and delirium.

Keywords: Constipation , delirium , depression , dyspnea , fatigue , end of life , pain , symptom management

In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.

1 Nantawadee P. Lee, DNS, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, is acute care nurse practitioner in Slidell, LA.

2 Gail Washington, DNS, RN, is assistant professor at California State University in Los Angeles.

PII: S1555-4155(08)00305-X

doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2008.05.007

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