Colon ca and bowel obstruction

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Need some opinions.... Patient with colon ca with bowel obstruction suffering from starvation from severe N&V due to any po intake and build up of gastric contents. Was wondering if anyone has seen an NG tube used in home hospice care to help decompress and decrease N&V and relieve symptoms of starvation? Thanks!!:scrying:

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

absolutely!

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yes, an ng tube would be an appropriate intervention.

but it won't relieve "symptoms of starvation"...

although i'm pretty confident your pt isn't experiencing symptoms of starvation.

best to you.

leslie

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Specializes in Hospice/Palliative, PACU, OR, Med/Surg.

Have them placed all of the time. If pt is not already on Dexamethasone (and this med can be given PR with great benefits) I would get a fair dose (12mg-18mg PR 0800 & 1200) started. It won't resolve the problem but many times helps reduce inflammation around tumors so that symptoms decrease and intake and output can resume (at least for a time). I have had amazing results with BDR (sometimes called by generic DDM) PRs Q 6 ATC. Obviously this is just my humble opinion and you would need to get a medication order from pts Attending to put this into place. Good luck!

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Nice pharm recommendation Werblessed. I am currently investigating accupuncture therapy in N/V patients...would like to use it, if feasible, in hospice. Do you have any experience with this?

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Specializes in Hospice/Palliative, PACU, OR, Med/Surg.

Haven't worked with accupuncture. Have worked with aromatherapy for n/v - specifically peppermint oil which on occasion has worked well - others not. We also have Music Zananthologist (I'm sure I spelled that wrong!) who work with music to become in sync with the pt. energy to help regulate symptoms. Helps more with agitation vs. n/v but we've had success with both. I'm up for any holistic approach that our patients are OK with even if it falls outside of 'traditional western medicine' approach. Let me know if you trial the accupuncture in hospice and how your patients respond with this therapy. Thanks for the kudos!

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