Category: Morphine
Morphine, also known as Roxanol, is a common comfort medication in hospice to reduce discomfort, pain, shortness of breath, and restlessness.
Uncommon Opioid Side Effects to Know: How They Affect You and Your Family
Learn about uncommon opioid side effects like myoclonus and hyperalgesia, and how they impact you and your family. This guide explains these conditions, offers tips for managing them, and highlights the role of hospice in providing comfort and support.
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.
Managing 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.
Presentation: 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.
Morphine 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.
Understanding Hospice Comfort Medications
Hospice comfort medications play a vital role in managing end-of-life symptoms. From morphine for pain and breathing difficulties to lorazepam for anxiety and restlessness, these medications are carefully administered to enhance quality of life while ensuring patient comfort and dignity.
Understanding 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.
Air 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).
Coughing 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.
Understanding 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.
Common Misconceptions about Morphine and End-of-Life Medications
Morphine is a crucial medication in end-of-life care, but it's often misunderstood. This article debunks common myths about morphine use in hospice, addressing concerns about addiction, hastening death, and sedation. Learn the truth about morphine's role in providing comfort and dignity for terminally ill patients.