EmptytheBoat

EmptytheBoat has 12 years experience and specializes in Med-Surg, Rehab, MRDD, Home Health.

Latest Activity

1. Hospice nurse advice

   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 ...

2. Urine smell reduction?

   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...

3. Projectile Vomiting just prior to death

   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...

4. Projectile Vomiting just prior to death

   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...

5. Assisted Living question...

   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...

6. Projectile Vomiting just prior to death

   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...

7. Projectile Vomiting just prior to death

   EmptytheBoat posted a topic in Hospice

   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...

8. Elevated temperature - question

   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...

9. First Hospice Experience....enough to bring a man to tears

   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!

10. LVNs in hospice

    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 ...

11. symptom management for dummies

    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.

12. Question about fentanyl patch

    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!

13. It's 4pm, who does the 5pm admission?

    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?

14. make a good palitive care nurse?

    EmptytheBoat replied to love2shop's topic in Hospice

    Spelling and literacy would be a start. Best wishes!

15. Question about fentanyl patch

    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.