UNIT I: Fundamentals of Palliative Care
- Definition and principles of palliative care according to the World Health Organization.
- History and evolution of palliative care.
- Nursing role in the interdisciplinary team.
- Humanizing care in patients with advanced disease.
- Total pain concept according to Cicely Saunders.
- Therapeutic nurse-patient relationship based on empathy, dignity and respect.
- Importance of person-centered and family-centered care.
UNIT II: Comprehensive Assessment of Pain and Comfort
- Pathophysiology of pain.
- Pain classification (nociceptive, neuropathic and mixed).
- Pain assessment scales (VAS and other clinical scales).
- Multidimensional assessment of pain and comfort.
- Identification of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
- Humanized clinical record and continuous nursing follow-up.
UNIT III: Pharmacological Management of Pain from a Nursing Care Perspective
- World Health Organization analgesic ladder.
- Non-opioid analgesics.
- Weak and potent opioids.
- Adjuvant medication (antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids).
- Adverse effects and their management.
- Safety in drug administration.
- Clinical surveillance and monitoring of the patient by nursing.
- Patient and family education for the safe use of medications.
UNIT IV: Non-Pharmacological Management, Comfort and Humanization of Care
- Physical techniques for comfort (mobilization, massage therapy, postural changes).
- Nursing interventions aimed at alleviating suffering.
- Psychological techniques: relaxation, active listening, and emotional containment.
- Therapeutic communication and nursing presence.
- Spiritual guidance and emotional support.
- Comprehensive support for the family.
- Communicating bad news from a humanized perspective.
- Anticipatory grief and compassionate support.
UNIT V: Ethics, Humanization and Decision Making at the End of Life
- Bioethical principles applied to palliative care.
- Patient autonomy and informed consent.
- Shared decision-making.
- Limitation of therapeutic effort.
- Palliative sedation.
- Dignified and humane care during the end-of-life process.
- Nursing role in ethical and compassionate support.
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