The Role of Nurses in Palliative Care for Patients with Dyspnea
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Abstract
Dyspnea is a prevalent and distressing symptom among patients receiving palliative care, often resulting from disease progression or concurrent pulmonary dysfunction. Its severity typically increases over time and can be more difficult to manage than many other symptoms. Patients commonly describe dyspnea as breathlessness, shortness of breath, air hunger, or a sensation of choking. Importantly, patients are the most accurate assessors of the intensity and nature of their dyspnea. The impact of dyspnea is profound, contributing to physical limitations, fatigue, anxiety, psychological distress, and a marked reduction in quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving both respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as psychological factors such as fear and panic. Effective management of dyspnea in palliative care requires a comprehensive approach that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Nurses play a pivotal role in the assessment and management of dyspnea by addressing patients’ holistic needs: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Their responsibilities include symptom monitoring, disease progression tracking, and providing education to patients and families to support self-care strategies.
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