Management of Patients With Kennedy Terminal Ulcer: Challenges and Best Practices

Whether receiving acute, long-term, or home care, patients at the end of life may experience skin failure due to hemodynamic changes and insufficient perfusion of skin tissue. Skin failure begins as superficial ulcers that can quickly become full-thickness lesions, which are referred to as Kennedy t...

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Published inHu li za zhi Vol. 70; no. 2; pp. 95 - 101
Main Authors Lo, Shu-Fen, Wu, Li-Yueh, Lo, Yuan-Chun
Format Journal Article
LanguageChinese
Published China (Republic : 1949- ) Taiwan Nurses Association 01.04.2023
Subjects
Death
Humans
Nursing care
Palliative care
Pathogenesis
Patients
Pressure Ulcer
Quality of care
Skin integrity
Terminal illnesses
Ulcer
Ulcers
Wound Healing
nursing
end of life skin failure
palliative care
Kennedy terminal ulcer
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Summary:Whether receiving acute, long-term, or home care, patients at the end of life may experience skin failure due to hemodynamic changes and insufficient perfusion of skin tissue. Skin failure begins as superficial ulcers that can quickly become full-thickness lesions, which are referred to as Kennedy terminal ulcers. Skin lesions commonly occur in the final 6 weeks of life and can occur even in the presence of a comprehensive care plan. The pathogenesis of Kennedy terminal ulcers is often misunderstood and these ulcers are commonly misdiagnosed as pressure injuries. This confusion may lead to aggressive care with subpar clinical outcomes that cause further psychological and emotional distress to patients and family members. Patients at the end of life must be provided care focused on their comfort rather than wound healing. To provide the highest quality of care to patients, four end-of-life strategies should be used, including: taking account of the preferences of patients and families, protecting the skin, des
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ISSN:0047-262X
DOI:10.6224/JN.202304_70(2).12