HOSPICE
Comfort Kit
Things to normalize
GOOD GRIEF
As a Hospice RN I will...
100

< 6 MONTHS

PROGNOSIS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR HOSPICE

100

Medication given for dyspnea 

What is morphine

(often in highly concentrated liquid form so less intake required)

100

Hospice patient reports that he had to increase the dose of morphine this week to obtain pain relief.

What is tolerance

100

TROUBLE SLEEPING, LOSS OF APPETITE, INABILITY TO FOCUS

EXPECTED REACTIONS OF SOMEONE EXPERIENCING GRIEF

100

As a hospice nurse, I will provide low-flow ________ via nasal cannula increases comfort level

What is OXYGEN (O2)

TIPS: Usually only 2 LPM nasal cannula PRN comfort & end of life symptom management

200

***************DAILY DOUBLE**************

Provides distraction (even from pain)

Calms & relaxes

Increases movement in those with limited mobility

Improves communication & emotional expression

What is music therapy

200

Medication given for anxiety 

What is Lorazepam (Ativan)

200

At the end of life have less intake therefore will need to normalize making less ______

What is urine 

200

According to Erikson, acceptance of death is a primary task of which of the following stages of psychosocial development

What is integrity vs. despair 

200

*************DAILY DOUBLE*****************

As a hospice nurse, I will apply a ______    _______  _______ to a patient who is incontinent to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and increase comfort.

What is a MOISTURE BARRIER CREAM 

EXAMPLE: CALAZIME CREAM 

300

HOSPITALS, ASSISTED LIVINGS, LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES, NURSING CARE HOMES, PRIVATE HOMES AND HOSPICE HOUSE. 

PLACES SOMEONE CAN RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE

300

Medication given for agitation 

What is Haloperidol (Haldol)

300

Trying to make someone at end of life  _____ or _____ will not comfort them—It will actually make their symptoms much worse.

What is eat or drink 

300

Maladaptive grieving is grief that lasts

What is 6 months or longer after the loss

300

As a hospice nurse, I will administer _______  ______ to reduce corneal irritation and promote comfort because blinking reflexes can produce corneal dryness.  

What are ARTIFICIAL TEARS PRN

400

RN

MD

CNA

Social worker 

Chaplain or Spiritual Advisor 

Bereavement Coordinator 

Who are members of the IDT!

400

Medication given for nausea and vomiting 

What is ondansetron (Zofran) or metoclopramide (Reglan) or promethazine (Phenergan)

400

A term for when skin before death presents as a red or purple marbled appearance and cool to touch. It is most often first seen in the feet, from where it then travels up the legs.

What is mottling or mottled 

400

Denial 

Anger 

Bargaining

Depression 

Acceptance 


What are the 5 stages of grief

400

As a hospice nurse, I will provide _____  _____ often, to provide comfort, because I know at EOL there is an increase in mouth breathing and a decrease in salivary secretions causing dry mucous membranes.  

What is ORAL CARE 


500

***************DAILY DOUBLE***************

ROUTINE HOME CARE 

CONTINOUS CARE

GENERAL INPATIENT

RESPITE CARE

THE FOUR LEVELS OF HOSPICE CARE

500

***********Daily Double*********************

Medication given for excessive secretions or terminal secretions

What is Anticholinergic medications or atropine or hyoscyamine (Levsin) or scopolamine or glycopyrronium

500

A noise that is caused by the build up of secretions, in the back of the throat, near death

What are terminal secretions aka the Death Rattle 

500

Grief prior to death 

What is anticipatory grief 

500

As a hospice nurse, I will take vital signs.......

What is, only as need to provide comfort, symptom management and a peaceful death. 

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