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2.1.3 Palliative Care, Pain Relief andSymptom Management2.1.2 Basic Nursing CareBasic nursing care refers to the dayto-daymaintenance of a person’shealth. Nursing care includes theassessment of the client’s needs andproblems on the basis of therequirements of activities of dailyliving and the subsequent preparationof caregiver plans. These plans areimplemented, monitored andevaluated in accord with the identifiedneeds, including appropriate referrals.Nursing care also Includes care ofpressure areas for bedridden patientsand help with maintaining mobility,bathing, wound cleansing, skin careand oral hygiene. It covers adequateventilation in the home, as well asguidance and support for propernutrition. Prevention of infectionsthrough the use of antiseptics anddisinfectants along with the use ofprotective materials like gloves andencouraging the use of condoms arealso part of the basic nursing careprovided. Other activities includehand-washing, cleaning linen withsoap and water, homestead hygiene,and burning or safe disposal ofhuman and other waste materials.Palliative care is the combination ofactive and compassionate long-termtherapies intended to comfort andsupport individuals and families livingwith a chronic life-threatening illness.Pain relief is an essential element ofpalliative care. Symptom managementruns from interventions forreducing fever and relieving pain, totreating diarrhoea, vomiting andcough.2.1.4 Psychosocial SupportPsycho-social support is an integralpart of comprehensive care. Itresponds to the total well-being of theperson and the family affected by theillness, particularly HIV/AIDS, throughinterventions that focus on theemotional, mental and social aspects.These aspects will be addressedthrough counselling, spiritual supportand guidance, as well as issuesrelating to confidentiality as describedbelow.2.1.5 CounsellingCounselling is an essential element ofcare for the sick person, familymembers and care providers toenhance their capacity to cope withthe disease and provide care.Counselling, as a professional skill,can be provided through individual,family or group counsellingapproaches. Group counsellingaffords an opportunity for people withsimilar needs to share theirComprehensive Care Package5