My poor resident

so sorry to hear this, have you tried getting the md to try another alternative way for pain meds, maybe rectal?

Bless you for looking out for this precious soul.

Please do your best to keep her medicated for pain. I'm no hospice expert, but perhaps there are other options that would be easier to administer?

Would it be possible to have someone sit with her. She must be fearful and this might comfort her. Soft music? Aromatherapy? A soft, warm blanket? A nuzzle from a friendly dog?

Topical morphine would be a good option.

Thank you very much for listening, Jolie and nurse hobbit. The alternative route method could possibly work. She did have a Fentanyl patch Rx, but it did not seem to provide much relief. The rectal idea might work, if my CNAs could help me hold her calmly while inserting it.

Unfortunately in my facility we don't have enough staff to provide a 1:1 unless someone like the SDC or an activities person would take some time out. Even the few minutes I spent with her seemed to work her up more. I would try the music option, but she is HOH.

One thing I do wish is that we had a house cat. Apparently there was one years ago, Morris, who would hang out around the Nurses' station. With allergies that residents have nowadays and infection control, I doubt we'd ever get a cat like Morris back ...

I just hope that she can find some sleep and go to "Henry" (her husband) that she was yelling out for last night.

More Fentanyl, double the dose, at least, and rectal Valium so this poor soul can get some peace.

You can't get the roxanol dropper through her lips into her cheek area? This seems much less distressing than an rectal medication to me.

Poor old thing. And thank you for caring.

god bless you for caring about this elderly lady. sounds like she's ready to go.

praiser :heartbeat

To answer Whispera, every time I get close enough to drop in the roxanol she begins so scream, shake her head and flail her arms and try to grab the dropper. I don't know if she realizes it's pain medicine, even though I tried numerous times to explain it to her. I think she is just completely out of it now.

Blondy2061h: I think the topical morphine would be a great idea. Is it a similar gel like an ABHR? I will have to see if it's available through our Pharmacy.

something topical is the way to go either in a morphine or a stronger fentanyl patch or anything at this point.

Bless her heart! If she won't accept PO meds, I doubt she'd want PR either. Patches?? That's all I can think of....I'm sure IV is out of the question?

I hope she sees Henry soon

And bless YOU for caring so much!

Have you considered that some people feel they must feel pain in order to meet their God, as a way of atonement for whatever they think their sins are? I see the terrible position you're put in, and my heart is with you. I think an increase in fentanyl patch dosage might help too. Family has been called to come? I'm wondering if she's actively dying and beginning her stage of terminal restlessness?