HCTZ

Specialties Hospice

Published

I am a new hospice nurse and have a quick question. I have a patient who is not taking her HCTZ because her daughter told her it would prolong her life. Her legs are very swollen +2-3 edema. Would it be appropriate to suggest that she continue to take the HCTZ for comfort reasons? She does complain that her legs hurt and has increased her use of pain medications and is keeping her legs up more during the day.

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Specializes in L&D, Nsy/NICU, Med/Surg, UM, CM.

Do you have a Hospice physician you can discuss this with?

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, OB/GYN, Peds,.

I agree that first you should discuss it with her MD the some education for the daughter and patient. I don't believe this med will prolong her life and as you said it will provide comfort, however if her BP is low there may be a better alternative. Good luck.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

oh my, I cant imagine the daughter telling her mother that, how sad.

The medicine will not necessarily prolong her life but will provide relief

of symptoms, isnt that what hospice is for, palliative care?

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Specializes in CTICU.

The alternative might be dying from drowning in her own secretions. Sounds like mum and daughter need medication education.

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