End-of-Life Care on the NCLEX
Hospice vs palliative, signs of dying, family support.
End-of-life care is comfort-focused. NCLEX tests hospice eligibility and signs of imminent death.
Hospice vs palliative
Both focus on comfort. Hospice: <6 months prognosis, no curative treatment. Palliative: any stage of serious illness, can co-exist with curative.
Signs of imminent death
Decreased intake. Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Cool/mottled extremities. Decreased urine output. Death rattle. Withdrawal.
Comfort
Manage pain (opioids). Manage secretions (glycopyrrolate, scopolamine). Reposition. Mouth care. Family at bedside.
Frequently asked
Family asks 'how long does she have'?
Honest answer, usually hours to days at this stage. Avoid false specificity.
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