An 85-year-old woman has been a patient in hemodialysis facility since 2012. …show more content…
Her pain worsened over the last week, but was controlled with increased dosage of intra venous pain medication that seemed to reach its therapeutic level. Upon nurse arrival, Mrs. A.M. was resting quietly without shortness of breath. Central venous catheter malfunction, but could start dialysis. She looked different today than other days, when I came I sensed that something significant to Mrs. A.M. was upholding. She tried to take my hand gently and slowly turned her head looking out of the window. A tear fell from the corner of her eye when she turned the head. She looked up at me and her voice broke assert “No more dialysis this is the last one, I saw my son and daughter last night and they called me, please help me nurse”. I was choking back tears and shuffling to Mrs. A.M chairside. For while I could not speak a word, but then I took her small fragile, pale, cold hand in mine. These hands had swayed cribs, belched babies, and planted orchids. Finally, I turned to her, the penetrating gaze transpired, ending moments of her life and value of these all memories transcending death. I look in her eyes and I did not see any fear. She was so calm and peaceful and I became relaxed too just seeing her like that. A soft smile remained on her face telling me that decision was taken regarding her health care. Deep motion escape from my lip asking: “The hospice without dialysis?” Deep sign broke away from Mrs. A.M. lips and soft smile confirmed the answer.