Category: Ethics

Articles about end-of-life ethical issues including ethical dilemmas

Top Ten Myths About CPR for Terminally Ill Patients

You may think that CPR is a miracle that can save anyone’s life, but that is not always the case. CPR is not practical for terminally ill patients, and it can cause more harm than good. In fact, studies show that only about 5% of terminally ill patients who receive CPR survive to leave the hospital. Many of them suffer from brain damage, broken ribs, or infections because of CPR.

This article aims to help you understand the truth about CPR for terminally ill patients. We will debunk ten common myths you may have heard or believed about CPR and provide you with accurate and reliable information. We will also help you make informed and respectful decisions about CPR for your loved one based on their wishes and values.

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Revolutionary Skin Test: A New Frontier in Parkinson’s Disease Detection

A groundbreaking skin test has emerged as a potential game-changer in the early detection of Parkinson's disease and related disorders. This article explores the science behind the test, its accuracy, and the ethical implications of early diagnosis. Discover how this innovative approach could revolutionize Parkinson's treatment and patient care.

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Full Code vs DNR: The Implications for Terminally Ill Patients and Their Caregivers

cpr vs dnr

Choosing between full code and DNR for terminally ill patients can be challenging. This article explains the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of helping caregivers and families make informed decisions.

Read MoreFull Code vs DNR: The Implications for Terminally Ill Patients and Their Caregivers

Hospice – Patient and Family Autonomy

Hospice care is often misunderstood. A common myth suggests that once a patient with a terminal illness enters hospice, they lose control over their care. This article aims to dispel this misconception and highlight the central role of patient and family autonomy in hospice settings. It's important to note that this discussion primarily applies to patients receiving care at home or in non-facility settings, as facility-based patients may have less control over their care decisions.

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Pros and Cons of Antibiotics in the Last Month of Life

A Spoonful Of Pills

Explore the complex decision of using antibiotics in end-of-life care. This article weighs the potential benefits against risks, considering comfort, quality of life, and ethical concerns. Learn how to make informed choices with your healthcare team for compassionate, patient-centered care in life's final stages.

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Demystifying Death: Why Hiding the Dying Process from Children Harms Society’s Future

Shielding children from death deprives them of understanding this natural part of life, leading to emotional and psychological consequences. This article explores why exposing children to the dying process is essential for their development and highlights the role of hospice care in supporting families during this time.

Read MoreDemystifying Death: Why Hiding the Dying Process from Children Harms Society’s Future

Oral Ketamine in Palliative Care: A Promising Approach for Emotional and Psychological Distress

Discover how oral ketamine is emerging as a game-changer in palliative care, offering rapid relief for severe depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. This comprehensive guide explores its potential benefits, administration methods, and important considerations for patients and healthcare providers.

Read MoreOral Ketamine in Palliative Care: A Promising Approach for Emotional and Psychological Distress

Empowering Caregivers: Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers

Discover how to use the CUS tool and Caring Feedback Model to advocate for your loved one's health. This guide empowers caregivers to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

Read MoreEmpowering Caregivers: Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers

Understanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice Care

This guide covers the essentials of palliative sedation for hospice patients, including ethical dilemmas, timing, recommended medications, and monitoring effectiveness, ensuring comfort during the end-of-life journey.

Read MoreUnderstanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice Care

How to Communicate Effectively with Healthcare Professionals as a Family Member of a Patient with a Terminal Illness

Laura Holding Her Moms Hand

Learn how to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals when caring for a loved one with a terminal illness. Improve communication, advocacy, and coping skills to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible.

Read MoreHow to Communicate Effectively with Healthcare Professionals as a Family Member of a Patient with a Terminal Illness

Hospice Care: A Purist vs. Non-Purist Approach

Dive into the contrasting philosophies of purist and non-purist hospice nurses and doctors. Understand how their views on medication and patient care differ, shaping the terminal phase of a patient’s journey. This article highlights the delicate balance between medical intervention and quality of life in hospice care.

Read MoreHospice Care: A Purist vs. Non-Purist Approach

The Final Journey: Understanding Why the Actively Dying May Linger

Explore the profound journey of the actively dying. This article unravels the reasons behind their lingering, examining medical interventions and the emotional need for closure. Gain insight into this delicate phase of life."

Read MoreThe Final Journey: Understanding Why the Actively Dying May Linger

Doctors Ignoring Family Concerns in Dementia Care

Welcome to our discussion on a topic close to many hearts: the care of our loved ones with dementia. When a family member is diagnosed with dementia, it feels like a part of them slowly fades away. But as they lose parts of themselves, your role in their life becomes even more crucial. This article isn’t just words on a page; it’s a beacon of hope and understanding, shining a light on why your voice, as a family member, is vital in the care of your loved one.

Read MoreDoctors Ignoring Family Concerns in Dementia Care

Hospice Access for Undocumented Immigrants

Welcome to our guide on hospice care for undocumented immigrants. This article is crafted with the utmost empathy to support family members and caregivers as they navigate the complexities of end-of-life care. Our goal is to provide a clear understanding of hospice services and the unique challenges faced by undocumented immigrants during these tender moments.

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Advocating for your loved one on Hospice Services

Take Charge

When someone you love is extremely sick and needs hospice care, you may feel scared, sad, or angry. You may not know what to do or how to help them. You are not alone. Many people go through this challenging time.

As a hospice nurse, I have met many families who have loved ones in hospice. Some of them are continually active and involved in their care. They ask questions, make decisions, and speak up for their needs. Others are more passive and trusting. They let the doctors, nurses, and staff do whatever they think is best. They don’t say much or ask for anything.

Who do you think gets better care for their loved ones? The active ones or the passive ones?

Read MoreAdvocating for your loved one on Hospice Services

Optimizing Hospice Respite Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Caring for a loved one who has a terminal illness can be extremely rewarding but also particularly challenging. You may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or isolated by the demands of caregiving. You may also feel guilty or anxious about taking a break from your loved one. But you deserve time to rest, recharge, and care for yourself. That is why hospice respite care can be a great option for you and your loved one.

Hospice respite care is a service that allows you to temporarily place your loved one in a facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice house, where they can receive professional care and support. You can use this time to do whatever you need or want, such as sleeping, working, running errands, visiting friends, or enjoying a hobby. Respite care can last up to five days at a time.

Read MoreOptimizing Hospice Respite Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Supporting a Loved One’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking Voluntarily

vsed and the body response

Explore how to support a loved one's decision to stop eating voluntarily and drinking (VSED) in hospice care. Learn about the ethical, emotional, and practical aspects of VSED, including its impact on patients and families, and how to provide compassionate care during this challenging end-of-life journey.

Read MoreSupporting a Loved One’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking Voluntarily

To Wake or Not to Wake: A Dilemma for Caregivers of Dementia Patients in the Final Stage

Caregivers of dementia patients in the final stage face a challenging dilemma: whether to wake their loved ones or let them sleep. This article explores the pros and cons of each approach, offering guidance on making this difficult decision while prioritizing comfort and dignity in end-of-life care.

Read MoreTo Wake or Not to Wake: A Dilemma for Caregivers of Dementia Patients in the Final Stage

Statins Increase the Risk of Dementia or Worsening Dementia

Atorvastatin

Pharmaceutical advertisements often highlight the benefits of a particular drug, including its ability to reduce the risk of various health conditions. However, the actual risk reduction these drugs provide may differ from what is portrayed in the advertisements. It is the opinion of the author that if cardiologists and other providers told their patients the absolute risk reduction of statins is 0.8% for all-cause mortality, 1.3% for myocardial infarction and 0.4% for stroke and the side effects of going on a statin include dementia, worsening dementia, confusion, muscle problems, such as aches, pains, weakness, muscle breakdown, falls, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, would you or anyone else ever agree to take a statin?

Read MoreStatins Increase the Risk of Dementia or Worsening Dementia

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