EmptytheBoat replied to cherokeesummer's topic in Hospice
Dear cherokesummer, Please don't worry yourself at this time with possible mets, nothing to be done. From your origianal posting, it appears to me that your FIL is imminently dying, and your focus should be on keeping him comfortable. If this may be ...
EmptytheBoat replied to cherokeesummer's topic in Hospice
Dear cherokeesummer, Excellent suggestions from ktwlpn, you may also try a tray of cat litter under the bed, cat litter will absorb some odors. I would also address the source, possible UTI and/or yeast infection which may be pallatively treated wit...
EmptytheBoat replied to EmptytheBoat's topic in Hospice
Dear NurseCherlove, Thanks for your input, you had some excellent thoughts. Bowel obstruction may have been a factor especially with one of the two patients, she had rapid growing tumor(s) in the peritoneal/abdominal areas. I've considered the drug i...
EmptytheBoat replied to EmptytheBoat's topic in Hospice
Thank you leslie, I was hoping for your input. Best guess with my two patients would be metabolic imbalance, both patients had extensive, rapid growing tumors throughout their bodies (sarcoma and melanoma). I'm glad to hear this is rare, I've experie...
EmptytheBoat replied to AtlantaRN's topic in Hospice
My experience with assisted living is not good, and unless you are willing/able to provide continuous care, it is unlikely that symptoms will be managed as the patient's disease progresses. The ALF's I've been involved with require the family to be a...
EmptytheBoat replied to EmptytheBoat's topic in Hospice
No warning on impending vomiting, both patients semi to fully comatose, non-responsive to verbal stimuli at the time. Neither had brain mets, both had extensive tumors, thus my assumption of the body purging itself of toxins. Do any of you instruct t...
I've had two cases within the last few months, pt. w/projectile vomiting just prior to death, both cancer patients. I've explained this to the families as the body's method of expelling the buildup of toxins from the cancer. In both cases, the episod...
EmptytheBoat replied to cherokeesummer's topic in Hospice
Dear cherokeesummer, I'm glad the fever responded to Tylenol. There have been other threads here regarding elevated temps, some Hospice nurses treat the temps, others don't. Others here have addressed causes of increased temp, may I also add the pos...
EmptytheBoat replied to Atl_John's topic in Hospice
Dear Atl John, Dying isn't always pretty, but it's challenging. You present as a very compassionate guy, and Hospice is all about compassion. Best wishes and God Speed!
EmptytheBoat replied to river1951's topic in Hospice
Hello River, Here in Louisiana, LPN's are used as mc3 describes in Florida, LPN partnered with RN to manage a case load. I've mostly worked with a part-time LPN, or a shared LPN (with other RN case managers) and has worked very well. I've not worked ...
EmptytheBoat replied to captain morgan's topic in Hospice
Don't wait until he gets worse, titrate medication until you get your patient comfortable; and let your total assessment determine his comfort level, use your education/experience.
EmptytheBoat replied to sukichaz's topic in Hospice
In this situation, the pleural taps are pallative, and Hospice needs to step forward. Your mother needs to be supported throughout, but issues need to be addressed and resolved, denial/avoidance isn't an option. God Speed!
EmptytheBoat replied to AtlantaRN's topic in Hospice
Why the rush to judgement? Drive-by Hospice? Where's is your coordinator/administrator? Is marketing dictating nursing care? What pallative care can you provide with this situation?
EmptytheBoat replied to sukichaz's topic in Hospice
Duragesic came out with a 12 mcg patch, I understand they are expensive, relative to higher strengths, but gives another tool when titrating medications.