Re: how to code "I'm going to die"

[Nathan]

I think without the context that personal contact with the resident gives, it is impossible to know how to respond. You need to do a bit more probing. From her prespective, is her statement a statement of fact, or a statement of fear and depression? From what you have said, this statement could just as easily be one of acceptance (a fairly advanced place to be if you agree with Kubler-Ross). Are her statements a proper coping mechanism or are they just the result of depression? Explore her fears of dieing. What does dieing mean to her? For some they fear the end of their life. They fear pain and suffering as the end approaches. For others, the greatest fear is for those being left behind.   One more thing to consider. Depending upon where you are in the country, her statements could be viewed as a request for assistance in terminating her life. Some states (Oregon for example) have specific laws about such requests and what the MD can do to assist.   Nathan ----- Original Message ----- From: MDSNancy To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 11:07 AM Subject: how to code "I'm going to die" I have a hospice resident who is alert and oriented, young.  She has been told that she only has 6-9 months left to live.  She has cancer, trache, peg tube, ambulates with walker.   She make frequent complaints of "anxiety" and receives ativan.  She makes statements of "what am I going to do?  how can I end this?"  "is there anything I can do to speed this up?  I wish there were a  pill for saying bye bye?"    She knows her condition, she knows she is going to die,  she is making statements about her condition.  It's not an unrealistic fear. But how do we code this?  These don't seem to fit in any of the categories in section E.   I'm hurrying here, so am probably leaving something out.  She is obviously anxious and depressed.  She is being seen by psychiatrist.  Her antidepressants have been increased.  Help! Thanks! Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online