[webblarsk]

Whats everyones take on this................Are IV fluids given very often in hospice setting?

[steelcityrn]

I would have to say no. Usually all tx's are d/c except pain meds and meds to decrease secretions or tx tachypnia.You may see it from time to time, but I am sure its probably a family request .

Originally Posted by webblarsk

Whats everyones take on this................Are IV fluids given very often in hospice setting?

[DutchgirlRN]

Comfort measures do not include IV fluids. Sometimes fluids are run at KVO so that IV pain meds can be administered but usually the meds are pushed directly into a PICC or peripheral line, sometimes the patient has a pain pump.

[earle58]

no, there is no reason to have an iv unless it's a picc line to administer iv meds. and you don't see that often either.
being on iv's contradicts the concept of comfort care. as the pt's body is shutting down, receiving iv hydration can actually cause discomfort and also cause more complications that could have been avoided in the first place if there wasn't any iv's in the first place.

leslie

[webblarsk]

Thanks for the input. I have a patient that the doctor is wanting to give IV fluids and I just wanted to make sure my feelings about IV fluids weren't way off. I have explained to the family about IV fluids at this point in the disease process. Why do doctors have to be so difficult? It seems like sometimes they give family's false hope.! I guess we will just have to keep educating!

[ShirleyR]

I have received orders to administer fluids by clysis. This is where you administer fluids (NS, D5W) using a butterfly needle hooked to the iv tubing & ordered fluids, then insert the needle subQ to the subclavian or to the scapula area. The drop rate is 60cc/hr or less. The site is changed q 24 hrs. Always asses to determine is body is absorbing fluid. These orders were always give when a person was having N&V from dehydration, but where not in the active phase of dying. We saw better quality of life for patients with hydration problems.