What should a nurse aide prioritize in end-of-life care?

In end-of-life care, the primary focus should be on the comfort and emotional support of the client. This is a critical aspect because individuals facing the end of their lives often experience physical pain, anxiety, and emotional distress. By prioritizing comfort, the nurse aide can address pain management, promote relaxation, and offer a compassionate presence that can significantly improve the quality of life during this sensitive time. Emotional support also plays a vital role, as being present for the client and providing reassurance can alleviate feelings of isolation and fear.

Encouraging family members to lead in decisions is important, but it should follow the fundamental priority of ensuring the client’s comfort. While monitoring vital signs can be necessary, it is not the primary focus in palliative care, where the goal shifts away from curative measures towards ensuring dignity and peace. Lastly, restricting food and drink intake might be appropriate in some situations, but the priority should always align with the client’s preferences and comfort level, which is why focusing on comfort and emotional support takes precedence.