Today I had a pt who has been hiccuping for days on and off. Each time they last around 2-3 hours. The doc prescribed Haldol, but no matter what, they did not stop!! Anyone else ever had this happen? Any tips or tricks?
Sweeshynurse 11 Posts Specializes in hospice and palliative care. Has 6 years experience. Jan 25, 2013 This is a Hospice pt BTW
malenursega 6 Posts Specializes in LTC adm, dementia care specialties, NAWC. Has 7 years experience. Jan 26, 2013 Hi there im a hospice nusre from Ga if the pt is a cardiac or COPDer often tracheal secretions swelling or any other disturbance can cause a sort of automatic clonic spasm of the diaphragm thorazine is what we use in our e kits, also clear the secretions if possiblehope that helped hristopher
leslie :-D 11,191 Posts Jan 26, 2013 much of it has to do with the etiology.here is a page that offers alternative dxs and treatments.www.eperc.mcw.edu/EPERC/FastFactsIndex/ff_081.htmthe best to you and your patient.leslie
CapeCodMermaid, RN 6,090 Posts Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health. Has 30 years experience. Jan 26, 2013 Thorazine.
tewdles, RN 3,156 Posts Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice. Has 31 years experience. Jan 26, 2013 I read somewhere once that, like, 25% of end stage gut/panc/liver cancers suffer from intractable hiccups in the last week of life.Thorazine and Haldol have been used most often in my experience.
Sweeshynurse 11 Posts Specializes in hospice and palliative care. Has 6 years experience. Jan 30, 2013 Thanks! My pt had Pancreatic CA. Unfortunately, Thorazine is not on our pharmacy formulary . But, good to know for the future. My pt did pass that evening.
tewdles, RN 3,156 Posts Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice. Has 31 years experience. Jan 30, 2013 Thanks! My pt had Pancreatic CA. Unfortunately, Thorazine is not on our pharmacy formulary . But, good to know for the future. My pt did pass that evening.You might ask if it could be added for this particular symptom, which is very unpleasant for many people. Thorazine is an old and pretty inexpensive medication for hospice use.
eternalsunshine 162 Posts Specializes in Oncology, Palliative care. Feb 14, 2013 Prochlorperazine and Chlorpromazine can also be used :)