Rhymes J A
Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center.
Geriatrics. 1991 Feb;46(2):57-62, 67.
Physicians who provide primary care for the elderly are spending more time caring for terminally ill patients. Although curing these patients' illnesses is impossible, it is often possible to improve their quality of life and give them more control over their illness. Communication with the patient and family members, advance directives, and planning for death are important. Symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and nausea can usually be controlled. Other health care professionals and hospice care when appropriate can also be helpful.
为老年人提供初级护理的医生花费在照顾绝症患者上的时间越来越多。虽然治愈这些患者的疾病是不可能的，但通常可以改善他们的生活质量，并让他们对自己的疾病有更多的掌控权。与患者及其家属的沟通、预先指示以及死亡规划都很重要。疼痛、呼吸困难和恶心等症状通常可以得到控制。其他医疗保健专业人员以及在适当情况下的临终关怀也会有所帮助。
