Pain

1 The goal of hospice is to minimize suffering and maximize comfort at the end of life. Control of pain is very important in achieving this goal. 2 It is important to know that pain can arise from physical causes, but also be the result of emotional, spiritual, and existential distress. 3 Pain is often […]

1

The goal of hospice is to minimize suffering and maximize comfort at the end of life. Control of pain is very important in achieving this goal.

2

It is important to know that pain can arise from physical causes, but also be the result of emotional, spiritual, and existential distress.

3

Pain is often divided into three tiers. The Hospice Team may ask you to rate the pain on this scale to help determine the most appropriate medication and dose.

  • Mild-moderate, pain on scale of 1-5 out of 10

  • Moderate-severe, pain of 6-8 out of 10

  • Severe, pain greater than 8

  • How to evaluate pain for patients with advanced Dementia - Take this Quiz https://partnerforcare.com/ContentManagement/40

Pain Scale

Use this pain scale as a guide to assessing the severity of pain. However, the most important
measure is to ask and listen!

 

 

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1. Mild-Moderate

  • Tylenol (Acetaminophen), NSAIDs (Advil, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Aleve)

  • Lidocaine patch if localized area

  • 'Weaker' Opioids for moderate pain- Hydrocodone, Codeine, Tramadol (Ultram)

  • Click here https://partnerforcare.com/ContentManagement/16

2. Moderate-Severe

  • Opioids - Morphine (MS Contain, other brand names), Oxycontin, Fentanyl Patches, Methadone

  • Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Click Here
    https://partnerforcare.com/ContentManagement/5

3. Severe

  • Contact Hospice Team to help with proper dosing and timing of medications

Other things to try

  • Anxiety medications - Lorazepam (Click Here) https://partnerforcare.com/ContentManagement/15

  • Relaxation techniques - quiet room, soft lighting, music, meditation

  • Discuss whether visitors/company is helping or making things worse

  • Be open to discussing emotional and spiritual issues

  • Hospice has social workers and chaplains trained to discuss difficult topics. Use them!