Palliative Care Flashcards
what is the definition of palliative care ?
improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing life threatening illness through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychological and spiritual
what is the role of palliative care ?
relieve pain and other distressing symptoms
affirm life and regards dying as a normal process
neither hasten or postpone death
integrates psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care
help patients live as actively as possible until death
help family cope
what is the department of health end of life care strategy ?
national policy directed towards dying at home
what types of disease may require palliative care ?
cancer chronic lung and liver disease end stage kidney disease motoneurons disease dementia frailty
what is generalist palliative care ?
provided in the community by general practice teams, district nurses, residential care staff etc
what is specialist palliative care ?
palliative care provided by those who have undergone specialist training
provides direct care, advises other carers
what is the role of the dentist in palliative care ?
diagnosis of early suspicious lesions
prophylaxis
dental checks before chemotherapy and radiotherapy and bone marrow transplant
advice about caries and periodontal treatment
what are the causes of xerostomia ?
tumour, radiotherapy
drugs - morphine, anticholinergics, antipsychotics, anxiolytics
what oral problems are associated with xerostomia ?
increased risk of plaque related diseases and tooth decay,
dry cracked lips,
angular chelitis,
problems wearing dentures,
difficulty eating, swallowing, communication
what are the treatments for xerostomia ?
good oral care, frequent sips of water, ice chips, pineapple, effervescent vitamin C, saliva substitutes, chewing gum
what local measures are recommended for a sore mouth ?
gelclair, difflam spray, mucoadhesive oral rinse, bonjela, soluble aspirin, oramorph as topical analgesic
which neurological conditions cause drooling ?
motor neurone disease head and neck cancer parkinsons brain tumours cerebral palsy stroke
how is drooling managed ?
positioning, skin protection, suction, drugs - hyoscine butyl bromide, glycopyrrhonium radiotherapy
what are the symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw ?
pain, swelling, loose teeth, exposed bone, numbness of heaviness of the jaw, asymptomatic
what is the treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw ?
pain control
debridement of necrotic bone
treat infection
stop bisphosphonates
