[Treatment of symptoms of a terminally ill patient]

Abstract

During the last days of life the patient's weakness increases and mobility decreases, interest towards food and drink often vanishes, ability to swallow becomes weaker and drowsiness increases. The importance of good symptomatic treatment and support for the family will increase and the nature of the primary disease starts losing its significance. The nursing staff must have sensitivity towards the stress and anxiety of the patient or of the family and at the same time regularly assess and treat the patient's symptoms as well as inform close relatives about the changes in the patient's condition.