Palliative care

Question 1

Background question

Answer 1

• Other medications
• Other medical conditions, specifically check for kidney and liver function (and relevant tests)

Question 2

Enquiry regarding compatibility in a syringe driver

Answer 2

Which drugs need to be mixed, what are they for and what is the dose?
Other medication: indication, routes
What is the diluent to be used and the concentration required or the preferred total volume?
Over what time period will the infusion be given?
What other routes of administration are available, e.g. intravenous lines?
Establish how the patient is fed – an enteral feed tube offers a potential alternative route.

Question 3

Enquiry about symptom control

Answer 3

• What is the likely cause of the symptoms?
• What drug or non-drug options have they tried already?
• Other medications
• Other significant medical problems

Question 4

Enquiry about conversion between different opioids

Answer 4

• What is the total daily (24 hours) dose, including PRN dose?
• Is the patient’s pain well controlled?