Palliative Care Flashcards
Background information- palliative care
If about compatibility of drugs in syringe driver - check drugs, doses, diluents and volume
If about symptom control ask about likely cause and what drug or non-drug options they have tried already
Find out other medicines patient is taking and any significant medical problems
Can other routes be used if oral not appropriate
If enquiry is related to conversion between different opioids what is the total daily dose including PRN doses currently being taken
Is patient’s pain well controlled
Background information- compatibility of subcutaneous drugs
Which drugs need to be mixed, what are they for and what is the dose
What is the diluent to be used and the conc required or preferred total volume
Over what time period is the infusion to be given
What other routes of administration are available
Other medicines patient is receiving- what for and what routes are they being given
How is patient fed - an enteral feed tube offers potential alternative route
