When should subcutaneous morphine and atropine be commenced?
Medications used in palliative care are intended to make terminally ill patients more comfortable, which can also help ease the grieving process.
“In general, we tend to commence subcutaneous medications if the person can’t swallow anymore – that’s the main rule of thumb,” says Liz Reymond, a palliative medicine specialist and the deputy director of Metro South Palliative Care Services in Queensland.
Palliative medications are started in about the last week of life.
“If you can have someone looking comfortable… that can really help the family’s grief down the track,” says Ms Reymond.
In this video, Ms Reymond discusses:
– When should subcutaneous morphine and atropine be commenced?
– What are the clinical criteria for oxygen therapy in the home?
