What is...

My dictionary defines euthanasia as the painless killing of somebody to relieve suffering. Hospice is NOT in the euthanasia business. It is fascinating how our bodies use analgesics in the presence of pain vs no pain. We use as much art as science to provide relief with the least amount of compromise to the pt.

Murder.

As was stated above it's not what Hospice nurses do.

What is the term of when you give a patient enough pain medication that it could kill them. I didn't explain that well, but thanks

to give the correct answer, we have to know the intent.

are you giving a dose with the goal of ending their life?

are you giving a dose with the goal of relieving their pain and suffering?

leslie

Actually, I think the PC term is "terminal sedation".

But, it still is euthanasia/murder and not a part of Hopsice.

actually siri, many people confuse terminal sedation w/euthanasia and assisted suicide.

terminal sedation, aka palliative sedation, is the monitored use of medications to induce varied levels of unconsciousness (but NOT death), for relief of refractory and unrelenting symptoms in imminently dying pts. that's why the ANA is so focused on intent. in terminal sedation the intent is to relieve suffering. part of the ANA's statement:

..." achieving adequate symptom control, even @ the expense of life, thus hastening death is ethically justified." and....

" thus palliative sedation with its' intent to relieve suffering in dying patients but not to deliberately hasten death is seen as distinct from euthanasia or assisted suicide where the intent is solely to end life."

i recently had a case that utilized palliative sedation. they are never easy cases.

leslie

"Snowing"...

Actually, I think the PC term is "terminal sedation".

But, it still is euthanasia/murder and not a part of Hopsice.

Terminal sedation is not euthanasia and can be a part of hospice. It means to sedate a person until they are unconscious. The reason this treatment is given is because the pain and suffering are so extreme that the pt needs to be unconscious. A terminally sedated pt can be sedated for several days up to 2 weeks. The purpose is to relieve symptoms. The purpose of euthanasia is to give a large enough dose of medication to kill them. A Big difference!

Terminal sedation was the term I was looking for. Thank you for your help. I am sorry if I offended anyone with my question. I was not implying that hospice was in the business of murder. I just could not flesh out my question to give a clear understanding. Again, I apologize for any ill feelings I may have caused.

Terminal sedation was the term I was looking for. Thank you for your help. I am sorry if I offended anyone with my question. I was not implying that hospice was in the business of murder. I just could not flesh out my question to give a clear understanding. Again, I apologize for any ill feelings I may have caused.

it's an education for all of us chris.

if you want some links about terminal sedation, feel free to pm me.

leslie

wow. I am glad we got that cleared up. I know that the question gave me a moment. Interesting how hospice nurses walk that fine line.