4th semister PN student looking for advice for(in class) debate

paprika88 · Mar 11, 2006

Wow, did this question bring back a memory from many years ago. I was caring for a terminal patient who was dying from ovarian cancer. Doc ordered 8-10mg Morphine. Her respirations were 8-12. As a new nurse, I felt so uncomfortable giving that much. In the late 80's there wasn't a lot of meds like the new ones for pain, nor near all the info about pain mgmt.

She got the 10 of Morphine, but not from me. I was really scared to "push her over the endge" too.

Her respirations went from 8-12 to 4-6 and she passed away shortly thereafter.

Since then, I have realized that she did not expire from the Morphine, but from the cancer. If she had a more peaceful, painless death then she was better off getting the Morphine than not.

What I have also come to realize that IF this had been someone I knew and loved, I would not hesitate to give them the Morphine in addition to anything else we can now give. Don't we all want death with dignity and as painless as we can?

The recent shift in patient care is WONDERFUL as far as pain management goes. When I first started nursing over 18 years ago, we didn't have much emphasis on a patients' pain management. I think it took one of us or one we love to be in pain to make these changes.

Giving the Morphine may have made her respirations decrease, but wouldn't you want a nurse to have enough empathy for you and your pain at death the give you the relief from your misery?

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

HeatherLPN · Mar 11, 2006

I would much rather give that last dose and let someone go peacefully, than to watch them writhing in pain during their last hours, b/c that is very very hard. If they are terminal, why should they have to go thru all that agony? To me, it's more humane to give the morphine.

flwannaB · Mar 11, 2006

My mother was dying of COPD. Hospice sent her home to die and my brothers and sisters and I were to give her morphine. About 2 am, 20 minutes after we gave her morphine, she died. I did have guilt wondering if the morphine we gave her finally pushed her to her death. But let me tell you this, my mother was terrified, she couldn't breath and was a tremendous amount of pain. It was devisating watching her suffer for those last final days. If the morphine helped her pain, made her less afraid and helped her to slip into the Lord's loving arms then it was the best for her. All that question this debate should ask themselves if they were in the same shoes or if someone they loved was suffering, would they want to go peacefully and in less pain? I certainly would.

Wow, did this question bring back a memory from many years ago. I was caring for a terminal patient who was dying from ovarian cancer. Doc ordered 8-10mg Morphine. Her respirations were 8-12. As a new nurse, I felt so uncomfortable giving that much. In the late 80's there wasn't a lot of meds like the new ones for pain, nor near all the info about pain mgmt.
She got the 10 of Morphine, but not from me. I was really scared to "push her over the endge" too.
Her respirations went from 8-12 to 4-6 and she passed away shortly thereafter.
Since then, I have realized that she did not expire from the Morphine, but from the cancer. If she had a more peaceful, painless death then she was better off getting the Morphine than not.
What I have also come to realize that IF this had been someone I knew and loved, I would not hesitate to give them the Morphine in addition to anything else we can now give. Don't we all want death with dignity and as painless as we can?
The recent shift in patient care is WONDERFUL as far as pain management goes. When I first started nursing over 18 years ago, we didn't have much emphasis on a patients' pain management. I think it took one of us or one we love to be in pain to make these changes.
Giving the Morphine may have made her respirations decrease, but wouldn't you want a nurse to have enough empathy for you and your pain at death the give you the relief from your misery?
Hope this helps. Good Luck.

linus00 · Mar 12, 2006

I can tell you that it is a very peaceful way to go. I was once given too much morphine right after a cholecystectomy and I remember feeling as though I didn't need to breath anymore. I could have just slept and "went away" until the nurses intervened - Thank God!. As it shuts down your respiratory system there is no feeling of suffocation or panic.

flwannaB · Mar 13, 2006

Thank you for sharing that. I can't tell you how often I wondered.....

I can tell you that it is a very peaceful way to go. I was once given too much morphine right after a cholecystectomy and I remember feeling as though I didn't need to breath anymore. I could have just slept and "went away" until the nurses intervened - Thank God!. As it shuts down your respiratory system there is no feeling of suffocation or panic.