Pain & Symptom Management Flashcards

What is the goal of symptom management?

Answer: Improve quality of life

The primary goal of symptom management in hospice and palliative care is to alleviate suffering and enhance the patient's overall well-being. It focuses on controlling pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and other distressing symptoms, rather than curing the underlying disease. This approach ensures comfort and dignity, allowing patients to live as fully as possible during their remaining time.

Why assess pain regularly?

Answer: Monitor changing pain

Regular pain assessment is critical in hospice care because pain is subjective and can fluctuate significantly. Frequent evaluations allow healthcare providers to understand the patient's current pain level, identify patterns, and adjust medication or other interventions promptly. This continuous monitoring ensures effective pain control and improves the patient's comfort and quality of life.

What is palliative care?

Answer: Relief from symptoms

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. Its goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family, regardless of the stage of the disease or whether a cure is possible. It can be provided alongside curative treatment.

What helps treat shortness of breath?

Answer: Oxygen and positioning

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common and distressing symptom in hospice patients. Administering supplemental oxygen can help improve oxygen saturation and ease breathing, while strategic positioning, such as elevating the head of the bed or using a fan, can reduce the sensation of breathlessness. These interventions provide immediate comfort and relief.

What tool is used to rate pain?

Answer: Pain scale

A pain scale is a standardized tool used to quantify and communicate a patient's pain intensity, such as the numeric rating scale (0-10) or the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. These scales are crucial for consistently assessing pain levels, allowing healthcare providers to effectively monitor pain, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and adjust treatment plans accordingly. This ensures optimal pain management.

Why review medications often?

Answer: Avoid interactions

Regular medication review is essential in hospice care to prevent adverse drug interactions, which can lead to harmful side effects or reduce the efficacy of medications. Patients often take multiple drugs, and their physiological state can change, making it vital to assess the current medication regimen for appropriateness, potential conflicts, and to ensure optimal symptom management. This practice enhances patient safety and comfort.

What relieves nausea in hospice?

Answer: Medication and diet

Nausea and vomiting are common and distressing symptoms in hospice patients. Management typically involves antiemetic medications to directly relieve the sensation of nausea, alongside dietary adjustments such as offering small, frequent meals, bland foods, and avoiding strong odors. This combined approach helps to minimize discomfort and improve the patient's ability to tolerate food and fluids.

What is non-pharmacological relief?

Answer: Therapeutic techniques

Non-pharmacological relief refers to interventions that do not involve medication to manage symptoms. These therapeutic techniques can include massage, aromatherapy, guided imagery, relaxation exercises, heat/cold therapy, and repositioning. They are valuable in hospice care for complementing medication, reducing reliance on drugs, and providing comfort through holistic approaches.

How is constipation managed?

Answer: Hydration and softeners

Constipation is a frequent issue in hospice patients, often due to medications, decreased mobility, and reduced fluid intake. Management involves ensuring adequate hydration to keep stools soft, and using stool softeners or laxatives as prescribed to facilitate bowel movements. This proactive approach prevents discomfort, impaction, and improves the patient's overall well-being.