Necrotic tissue odor and isolation

[Kashia, ASN, LVN]

This forum appears more academic in nature however my question concerns end stage

CA and what are best methods for helping to control or blocking the foul odor of large amount of facial mouth and jaw necrotic tissue.

Besides applying vicks to below nares, and the masks don't do much....I am seeking what anyones experience has been, or tips?

My biggest concern in all of this is the social spiritual isolation experienced by patient RT/ others avoidance, nursing minimizing contact, and lack of clergy visits.

Patient is comfort care only, is A & O x4.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

When I worked on a medical floor we would sometimes put a few drops of oil of peppermint on a few cottonballs and place around the room. Also ostomy deodorizers can be helpful.

Are you in a hospital? Perhaps a positive air flow room ( the ones used for TB) to keep to air flowing into the room and vented to the outside would work?

[Kashia, ASN, LVN]

Good ideas...thank you sister.

very cute picture:-)

[Woodenpug, BSN]

Coffee grounds (not used) seem to help. We also sometimes use vanilla extract. Both in large quantities. Never tried both at once, but if the problem is big enough the combination could work.