by KathyKastner | Jan 26, 2015 | Blog, Information, Medical Decisions, Quality of Life, Research
“Can’t you do something about her pain?” An 85-year-old woman with multiple medical problems, including dementia, coronary artery disease, renal insufficiency, and peripheral vascular disease, was admitted to our hospital with urosepsis. Her hospital...
by KathyKastner | Jan 26, 2015 | Blog, Information, Medical Decisions
The study focused on patients dying of cancer, but results apply across all chronic illnesses: a multicenter study suggests patients have a better quality of life towards the end if aggressive, life-prolonging measures are avoided and if they are able to die at home....
by KathyKastner | Jan 26, 2015 | Blog, Information, Medical Decisions
Provide and adjust pain medication: addiction is not a worry Treat shortness of breath : oxygen, medication Treat agitation: medications or other treatment (massage, acupuncture) Treat anxiety: medications or other treatment (massage, acupuncture, music) Position for...
by KathyKastner | Jan 26, 2015 | Blog, Glossary, Information, Medical Decisions
May be used for temporary or permanent loss of kidney function Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, but it is important to recognize that dialysis also has limitations. It may not be of benefit to prolong life with dialysis if quality of life suffers dramatically....
by KathyKastner | Jan 26, 2015 | Blog, Information, Medical Decisions
An IV is used to get fluids and medications intraveinously, which means via the veins. More info:...
by KathyKastner | Jan 26, 2015 | Blog, Information, Medical Decisions
A tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea), through the mouth, and you will likely be placed on a breathing machine. More info:...
