Anxiety & Constipation ANXIETY
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Anxiety is a concern about an event, person, uncertainty, or feeling of not being able to handle things. Often the reason for the uneasiness may not be known. Anxiety is a common experience and may include: • Fear • Worry • Spiritual questions/concerns • Sleeplessness • Shaking • Sweati ng • Nerves or feelings of uneasiness • Jitt ers • Fidgeting • Nightmares • Confusion • Rapid breathing or heartbeat • Tension HOW TO HELP RELIEVE ANXIETY • Write down thoughts and feelings. These can be shared or kept private. Often just writing what comes to mind helps ease anxiety. • Talk with someone you trust • Engage in relaxing activities such as deep breathing or listen to soothing music/music therapy • Limit the number of visitors, or how long visitors stay, until the patient feels more relaxed • Gently massage arms, back, hands or feet if it is not too stimulating • Avoid too much caffeine • The nurse can usually give medications as needed for anxiety. These medications may allow relaxation to the point of sleep.
COMMON MEDICATIONS USED AT ELIZABETH HOUSE FOR ANXIETY Ativan (lorazepam), Haldol (haloperidol), Seroquel (quetiapine), Versed (midazolam)
CONSTIPATION Constipation is a very common problem. Medical treatments, medications (especially pain medicines), lack of water or exercise or the disease itself can cause constipation. Most people should have a bowel movement at least every 3 days, even when not eating much. WAYS TO HELP TREAT CONSTIPATION: • Encourage the patient to drink fluids if they are able to swallow safely and do not resist • Eat foods high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables • Use stool softeners, laxatives, suppositories and enemas to prevent or treat constipation • If able, encourage walking As a person approaches death, it is common for the care team to focus less on bowel function. This is a normal part of the process and the focus becomes more on how else to keep the patient comfortable. Because the body is feeling things differently at this point, changing a patient after a bowel movement is often more uncomfortable than being constipated at the end of life.
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Four Seasons Elizabeth House
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