Exam 4: End of Life Care

Question 1

List 4 common hospice diagnoses

Answer 1

dementia
heart disease
lung disease
cancer

Question 2

what tends to be the drug of choice for EOL care

Answer 2

morphine

Question 3

what are the 3 ways that morphine is given? what are the considerations with each?

Answer 3

elixir - must make sure they can swallow
IV - must have GOOD IV access
SubQ - if elixir or IV is not possible

Question 4

name 2 things morphine is indicated for

Answer 4

dyspnea and pain

Question 5

does a patient need labs drawn if they are changed from a full code to DNR-CC? why?

Answer 5

no - they are actively dying, the goal is COMFORT; advocate for the patient to have the right to a good death

Question 6

what is the goal of hospice?

Answer 6

provide comfort and a good, comfortable death

Question 7

what is holistic care?

Answer 7

use of pharmacological and non pharmacological care

Question 8

prognosis for hospice? can this be extended? can patients come off hospice?

Answer 8

6 months or less; can be extended, but the patient is still terminal - requires a reevaluation by HCP to remain on hospice; patients can come off hospice if they happen to improve

Question 9

is O2 provided to patients on hospice? why?

Answer 9

yes, it is given for comfort - but it is not considered a treatment because it is not life-saving