Supporting the family
Acknowledge the emotion before giving information. Stay silent long enough for them to speak. Avoid false reassurance and avoid vague language. "He is comfortable" is more honest and more useful than "everything will be fine". Explain what they are seeing: mottling, irregular breathing, secretions. What is frightening becomes bearable once it is named and expected. Offer concrete roles: moistening the mouth, applying lip balm, playing music, holding a hand. Families cope better when they have something to do. Ask what the person would have wanted, not what the family wants for them.