palliative care

Question 1

what 4 medications are used in palliative care

Answer 1

anti-emetic
analgesic (morphine)
antisecretion (hysocine)
mood stabiliser (midazolam)

Question 2

when is palliative care started?

Answer 2

at the stage where cure is no longer considered possible

Question 3

what is in the WHO pain ladder?

Answer 3

1 - NSAIDs, paracetamol (e.g diclofenac, mefanamic acid, cox 2 inhibitors, naproxen)
2 - mild opiates (e.g. codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol)
3 - strong opiates (e.g. morphine, diamorphine, fentanyl, alfentanylm oxycodone, methadone)

adjuvants for neuropathic pain e.g. carbamezapine, pregabalin, gabapentin, amitryptilin

Question 4

side effects of opiates

Answer 4

dependence
nausea
constipation
itching
puritis
drowsiness
vomiting

Question 5

how does someone with morphine overdose present

Answer 5

constricted pupils
drowsiness
myoclonic jerks
confusion
respiratory depression

Question 6

what is the dose of morphine given usually to patients who experience breakthrough pain?

Answer 6

one-tenth to one-sixth of 24hr morphine dose