patient and pet...

Nurses General Nursing

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hi,.. im a home care nurse for an elderly woman with stage 4 esophageal cancer. She has a central line for her TPN... She also has a pet cat, which she is really attached to. im just worried about the cat which i let stay in her room... will it affect the integrity of the central line? I dont want to deprive her of her pet.. any advice?:o

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

if she is stage 4 i wouldn't worry about her central line. it's covered with a sterile dressing. i would let her enjoy her kitty as long as she can. i would want to be with my kitties as long as i could. the love of a kitty baby will help her deal with her illness. at stage 4 she can' have much time left. my prayers are with her.

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thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I agree. Just a suggestion, but you might want to find out if the cat has a home after she passes.

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The cat is improving her QOL. If I was in that situation my labrador would be in my room every moment that I was awake.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

yes does she have anyone she could trust to take care of the kitty after she passes? my grandmother had a kitty named boozer , she beacme very ill and her main worry was the care of her sweetie puss boozer. if the pt knows the kitty will be well taken care of after she passes that will give her peace. i think animals are special angels from heaven here to give us comfort and peace not only during times of stress , but in our lives generally. they love you no matter what you do.

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the kitty is well taken care of... but is most attached to my patient. Im sure her daughter will take good care of the cat.. But the cat is very old (i think).. around 10 years...

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Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.
the kitty is well taken care of... but is most attached to my patient. Im sure her daughter will take good care of the cat.. But the cat is very old (i think).. around 10 years...

Just an FYI- for an indoor cat, 10 yrs is not old. They frequently live to be 20 or more!

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the kitty is well taken care of... but is most attached to my patient. Im sure her daughter will take good care of the cat.. But the cat is very old (i think).. around 10 years...

Just an FYI- for an indoor cat, 10 yrs is not old. They frequently live to be 20 or more!

Totally agree with sharlynn! I can't put the term "very old" for my 9 1/2 y/o, Max. He can keep up with the new kitten who is about 6 months and gives as good as he gets.

I love my cats (4)!

Kris

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