-
Cholera
Cholera Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is characterized by profuse watery stools, vomiting, dehydration, and collapse. Cause Cholera is specifically caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium is Gram stain negative and possesses a flagellum, a long projecting part that enables it to…
-
Gastroenteritis (GE)
Gastroenteritis (GE) Gastroenteritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the stomach (\”gastro\”-) and the small intestine (\”entero\”-), resulting in some combination of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramping. The severity of infectious gastroenteritis depends on the immune system’s ability to resist the infection. Electrolytes (mainly sodium…
-
Introduction to communicable diseases
Introduction to communicable diseases Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases or transmissible diseases are diseases that spreads from one person or animal to another or from a surface to a person. Communicable diseases occur at all age groups outmost serious in childhood due to intensive exposure and poorly developed immunity. These diseases are to…
-
Psychosocial support to terminally ill patients
Psychosocial support to terminally ill patients Terminal illness refers to a condition that cannot be cured and is expected to result in the patient’s death within a certain timeframe. This devastating diagnosis not only affects the physical health of the individual but also has profound emotional and psychological implications. The knowledge that one’s life will…
-
Nearing death awareness
Nearing death awareness Near death awareness (NDA) is a term to describe a dying person’s experiences of the dying process. It refers to a variety of experiences such as end of life dreams or visions. Their attempts to share the wonders of these experiences are often obstructed by our lack of understanding of the symbolic…
-
Will Making
Will Making Will: This document expresses the desires of a person regarding the distribution of their property among specific individuals or parties after their demise. Will: A will is a document created by an individual during their lifetime, wherein they state how their property and affairs should be handled after their death. Will: A will…
-
ETHICS AT THE END OF LIFE
ETHICS AT THE END OF LIFE Hastened death: It refers to the act of accelerating the dying process as a response to suffering in the context of a life-threatening condition where the patient sees no other way out. Assisted Death: This form of euthanasia involves aiding an individual who expresses a desire to die prematurely,…
-
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES IN PALLIATIVE CARE
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES IN PALLIATIVE CARE An advance directive, also known as an Advance Directive, is a legal document that upholds the principle of autonomy by expressing a patient’s desires regarding medical treatments when they are unable to make decisions themselves. Advance directives serve as essential tools for documenting end-of-life patients’ wishes when they are no…
-
DEATH AND DYING
DEATH AND DYING Death is the cessation of life for an individual or organism. It marks the end of all biological functions that sustain life. Fears and Concerns surrounding Death When facing death, patients may have various fears and concerns: Fear of experiencing pain and suffering during the dying process. Fear of not being able…
-
BEREAVEMENT, MOURNING AND GRIEF
BEREAVEMENT, MOURNING AND GRIEF Bereavement is the state of having lost something or someone. The experience of someone who is grieved or bereaved is entirely individual. The way a person grieves depends on a number of factors such as one’s personality and coping style, life experience, faith, and the nature of the loss grieving process…
