Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Delirium onset within a palliative care programme: nursing care for the patient and family. Presentation of a clinical case. |
|---|---|
| Name | Caleffi Dalia |
| Supervisor(s) | Gelati Luca |
| Academic Year | 2016/17 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
Delirium is a neurocognitive syndrome correlated with increased risk of hospitalization, functional and cognitive impairment, and mortality. Patients under palliative treatment regime are at higher risk of developing the syndrome due to their debilitated physycal condition. In this context delirium is one of the most frequent complications, affecting around 85% of people at the end of life. It augments the distress of the expiring individual and their family, aggravating suffering and compromising the quality of the life of the terminally ill people.
Factors contributing to the frequent failure to recognize delirium include its numerous forms of manifestations, multiple aetiologies, as yet poorly defined and complex physiopathology, and general lack of knowledge. The close supporting role of the nurse within the family group confers them a fundamental role in the recognition and management of the syndrome.
The aim of the present text is to analyse a specific form of assistance for patients under palliative treatment affected by delirium, together with their family, demostrating through standardised support planning how it is possible to apply the Nanda-I, Noc and Nic taxonomy to provide personalized treatment that offers support, relief and hope, considering the person as a whole within the family setting.