A rough night!

[SFRN]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for reading my post. So last night I had a rough night at my hospice job. I work full time in a cardiac ICU and per diem at a hospice residential facility. At around 5:30am I had a pt. take a turn for the worst. This pt. was fairly young he was not much older than I. This pt. died approx. 5 hours into the next shift. It hit me pretty hard--sometimes I get a bit too emotional. Anyways, because this guy was having some SOB and increased respirations I started--per MD order-- some NC 3LPM and gave some pain medication and anxiolytic. The next nurse came on after me and said "I don't know why we start NC O2" I thought it was for comfort and the guy looked more comfortable after I gave the meds and started NC. I am curious about all your experiences with starting 02. I have only been doing hospice about a year now and I am still learning. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[leslie :-D]

the use of o2 is anecdotal at best.

there certainly isn't anything wrong with applying it.

if your pt is a mouth breather, it's questionable how much o2 he's getting via nc.

but certainly, it does have its psychological benefits, which is always part of comfort care.

generously medicating during imminent death, is the most practical and comforting intervention.

once pt is medicated well, all other comfort measures are invaluable as well.

leslie