PDF - EOL

Question 1

Goal palliative care?

Answer 1

Relieve suffering, improve quality of life

Question 2

How long should hospice last?

Answer 2

Less than six months

Question 3

Characteristics ALS patient at end of life?

Answer 3

1. Younger and older adults, some w/o other medical problems
2. Cognitive functions preserved throughout
3. Preserved bowel and bladder function
4. Terminal state of bed-bound paralysis, too weak to eat or breathe

Question 4

How to most ALS opt to die?

Answer 4

Death by respiratory failure or pneumonia at home

- Alleviate anxiety of dyspnea: benzodiazepines

Question 5

Presentation persistent vegetative state?

Answer 5

• Preserved brainstem & spinal cord function
• Appears “awake,” moves eyes after several days of sleep-like coma
• May move limbs, especially after painful stimuli, moans or mumbles
• Cortical responsiveness or communication never returns