Withdrawal of Life support

Palliative Care

A specialized form of care that focuses on

Hospice

Focuses on care of a patient with a terminal illness who has less than 6 months to live.

In Michigan Livining wills

are not legally recognized

durable powers of attorney for health care

valid for medical decision-making.

Secretions at the end of life are managed with

Scopolamine or Atropine

Patients who die lesson than 24hrs of being admitted to the hospital are

Mandatory to be examined by medical examiner

Consider withdrawl of life support when

Patient is ready.Family determines patient would not want sustained support when patient cannot speak. Advance directive indicates withdrawal. Care is futile.

PCA/Demand Dose

Given by the patient PRN.Pre-set amounts & Pre-set time parameters /Lockout interval- Example

PCA Basal Dose

Continuous infusion, Low dose over an hour. Example

PCA Breakthrough Dose used if the

basal dose and/or PCA dose is not effective- Example

PCA pt assessment

Respiratory rate (RR), O₂ saturation ≥ 90%, EtCO₂