Title: Identify needs related to death and dying.
Course: Patient Care Technician (14051-III) > Section: Understanding Basic Anatomy and Physiology

Identification should include

- Kübler-Ross theory of death and dying
- personal feelings (e.g., patient/client, family, staff)
- characteristics of the stages of death and dying
- physical changes
- signs and symptoms of approaching death
- care of a dying patient/client
- palliative care
- hospice care
- postmortem care.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the Kübler-Ross theory of death and dying?
- What is the effect of religious beliefs on death and dying?
- What are the stages of death and dying, and what characteristics are associated with each stage?
- What are some cultural influences on grief?
- What are the physical signs of approaching death (e.g., loss of muscle tone, breathing difficulty, circulatory failure, loss of senses)?
- How would one prioritize PCT care for a patient/client approaching death (e.g., comfort measures, communication techniques)?
- What is the philosophy of hospice care for a patient/client and family?
- How can PCTs maintain patient/client dignity in providing postmortem care?
- What effect do psychosocial problems have on the health of the older adult?