Excretion environment adjustment for a terminal cancer patient: excretion care given by a team
10.2512/jspm.9.920
- VernacularTitle:終末期がん患者に対する排泄環境調整─チームで取り組んだ排泄ケアについて
- Author:
Ayako Maeda
;
Youichi Hata
;
Naoko Mihara
;
Kaori Furukawa
;
Sayaka Suda
;
Junko Maruyama
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
terminal cancer patient;
excretion movement;
palliative care team;
QOL
- From:Palliative Care Research
2014;9(2):920-923
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Purpose: With a decreasing degree of independence in excretion movement, terminally-ill cancer patients experience an emotional distress and a lower sense of self-esteem. We herein report a case in which a patient received an effective excretion care by a palliative care team. Case: A female patient in her 60s was diagnosed with lung cancer and multiple bone metastases. On admission, she maintained her basic ADL (Activities of Daily Living) and walked independently; following a fall in the bathroom, however, she sustained a pathological fracture in the left humerus that was treated conservatively from a prognostic point of view. Despite concerns about pain and fracture risks during her trips to and from the bathroom, she wanted to excrete “on the toilet.” Out of respect for her wish and sense of pride, we gave her movement, lifting, and undergarment operation trainings in addition to adequate pain control. We also adjusted the equipment and increased the carers for her. With a gradual worsening of pain and a decline in ADL, she nevertheless had been able to perform excretion movement until the last moment when she was placed under sedation. Conclusion: This case suggests that an effective excretion care is possible by team approach respecting patients’ QOL and sense of dignity.
