‘I'm Just Not Interested in Eating’ - Contemporary Nurse: Healthcare Across the Lifespan

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‘I'm Just Not Interested in Eating’: When nutrition becomes an issue in palliative care

Margaret O'Connor
Vivian Bullwinkel Chair in Nursing, Palliative Care, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston VIC

PP: 23 - 28

Abstract

Coping with issues of hydration and nutrition are central when caring for a person at any stage of a life threatening or limiting illness. Particularly as death approaches, many practical and ethical issues may arise in consideration about how a person should be supported in assisting their nutrition and hydration.

Support and education of the person themselves, their family and carers is vital in this process. This paper will use a case study and a take longitudinal view of illness, in addressing the nursing aspects of assisting a person's nutrition, firstly in the early stages of illness and then in considering nutritional needs in care towards the end of life.

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Keywords

Care at the end of life, nutrition and hydration, nursing support, palliative care

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References

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