I recently visited a patient with end stage Alzheimer's diagnosis. However, I have problem understanding why she should be in hospice considering her status. The pt is a 93 years old female that walks with walker, most of the time she sits at her sofa and constantly picking the sofa apart ( she is not agitated, it's her habit), awake, very confused. She would talk and lead you to her own world. Bladder and bowel incontinent, vital signs WNL, o2 sat 98% room air, she can feed herself when the meal is ready in front of her. have heart murmur, tricuspid valve disease, lung sounds clear, bowel movement every 2-3 days with daily doses of lactulose. She does need to be reminded of taking food and fluid.
Would anyone please explain why this pt should be on hospice?
The family also asks about having her lab works done (after the family talked to the Physician assistant, family said P.A. in agreement of having lab done). I explain to them that unless there is sign/symptoms that warrant the need for lab such as UTI or pneumonia; otherwise, we dont do lab work on routine basic since the patient is on hospice and not seeking curative treatment. Do you think my answer is appropriate? Is there a better way to address this question?
