What it means
When a client and family decide to stop treatments aimed at cure, comfort care focuses on symptoms: pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety and agitation, mouth care and skin care, with emotional and spiritual support. Monitoring and tests that do not add comfort are often stopped. Comfort measures can also be part of any care plan, such as positioning, warmth or a quiet room.
For the nurse
Give medicines for pain and breathlessness as ordered, keep the mouth moist, turn and position gently, and support the family. Respect the client's wishes and their advance directive.
At a glance
| Spanish | cuidados de confort |
|---|---|
| Also written | comfort measures, comfort measures only |
Related terms
advocate
To speak up and act for a client's rights, safety and wishes; also, a person who does this.
analgesia
Relief from pain without loss of consciousness, or the treatment used to bring that relief.
grief
The deep emotional, physical and spiritual response to a loss, especially the death of someone close.