Category: Lorazepam
Lorazepam, a common comfort medication used in hospice to decrease anxiety, help with shortness of breath, and decrease terminal restlessness.
Crisis Management at End-of-Life
Discover effective strategies for managing end-of-life crises in hospice care. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, implement calming techniques, and provide compassionate support to patients and families. This guide offers practical tips for hospice nurses and caregivers to navigate challenging situations with confidence and empathy.
Read MoreCrisis Management at End-of-LifeBest Practices for Managing Hallucinations
Learn effective strategies for managing hallucinations in terminally ill patients. This guide covers pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to improve comfort and quality of life.
Read MoreBest Practices for Managing HallucinationsManaging Terminal Restlessness
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and witnessing changes in their behavior and well-being can be distressing. As a hospice nurse, I've supported many families and caregivers through this grim time. One common symptom that may arise towards the end of life is restlessness. In this article, I will explain the different types of restlessness and offer guidance on how to manage them. Understanding these distinctions can provide valuable insights into your loved one's condition and help you navigate the final stages of their life with compassion and care.
Read MoreManaging Terminal RestlessnessPresentation: Death, Dying, and Comfort Medications in Hospice Care
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand that working in hospice care can be emotionally and physically challenging. In this presentation, I will share my knowledge and expertise on the topics of death and dying, as well as comfort medications including morphine, to help guide you in providing the best care for your patients.
Read MorePresentation: Death, Dying, and Comfort Medications in Hospice CareMorphine and Lorazepam are not euthanizing agents
As a hospice nurse with years of experience, I have encountered many situations where family members are hesitant to allow their loved ones to receive medications such as morphine and lorazepam. One of the main reasons for this hesitancy is the belief that these medications will hasten death, leading to euthanasia.
In this article, I want to address this concern and help family members and friends understand the use of morphine and lorazepam in hospice care.
Read MoreMorphine and Lorazepam are not euthanizing agentsUnderstanding Hospice Comfort Medications
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand the challenges that terminally ill patients and their families face. One of the biggest challenges is managing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and nausea. Hospice comfort medications can help provide relief and improve the quality of life for patients in their final days. In this article, we will discuss some of the most used hospice comfort medications and when they might be used for comfort.
Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Comfort MedicationsUnderstanding PRN Medications for Comfort Care
Hey there, my friend! As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand that managing symptoms for comfort is crucial for terminally ill patients. One of the ways we do this is through PRN medications. Today, I want to help you understand PRN medications and how they can be used in conjunction with scheduled medications.
Read MoreUnderstanding PRN Medications for Comfort CareAir hunger management at end-of-life
I can count the times I’ve run into air hunger at the end of life as a visiting RN Case Manager for going on five years on one hand. Over the years, I’ve managed patients with pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancers (diverse types), breast cancer, COPD, congestive heart failure, B-cell lymphoma, leukemia, and other diseases that can impact one person’s ability to breathe correctly. Air hunger is rare in my firsthand experiences, but it can happen.
Air hunger often sounds like the person is gasping for breath without regard to the actual respiratory rate (how fast they are breathing); it can also sound like stridor (YouTube videos below where you can hear the difference).
Read MoreAir hunger management at end-of-lifeLiquifying Ativan pills for easier delivery
Ativan, generically called Lorazepam, pills can be easily melted into liquid, and given to your loved one in a syringe. This is typically done vs. putting the pill under the tongue if your loved one has a dry mouth, and the Ativan pills are not melting under the tongue.
The process of melting lorazepam into a liquid will require the following resources:
Read MoreLiquifying Ativan pills for easier deliveryCoughing Up Blood (hemoptysis) Symptom Management
Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, can be a distressing symptom for patients at the end of their life journey. As a hospice nurse, your expertise in managing this symptom is crucial in ensuring a peaceful and comfortable experience for your patients and their families.
Read MoreCoughing Up Blood (hemoptysis) Symptom ManagementUnderstanding Terminal Restlessness
Navigating the final days of a loved one's life can be a challenging and emotional journey. One of the signs that can be observed during this time is known as terminal restlessness. As someone deeply rooted in hospice care, I have witnessed various manifestations of this restlessness. Understanding its types, causes, and management strategies is crucial for providing compassionate end-of-life care. This article aims to illuminate the different kinds of terminal restlessness, identify reversible causes, and discuss effective management techniques. By equipping caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals with this knowledge, we can ensure that terminally ill individuals experience comfort and dignity in their final days.
Read MoreUnderstanding Terminal Restlessness