The Hospice Companion

1. General Processes Palliative Care at the End of Life: Blending Structure and Function The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) Documentation 2. Personal, Social, and Environmental Processes Abuse in the Home Advance Care Planning and Directives for Health-Care Interventions Changes in Body Image and Loss of Independence Changes in Family Dynamics Completing Worldly Business and Life Closure Controlled Substances: Misuse and Abuse Cultural Differences: Respect, Understanding, and Adapting Care Denial Grief Reactions Living Environment, Finances, and Support Systems Basic Home Safety Suicide: Risk Assessment, Prevention, and Coping If It Happens 3. Clinical Processes and Symptom Management Agitation and Anxiety Air Hunger (Dyspnea) Anorexia and Cachexia Belching and Burping (Eructation) Bleeding, Draining, and Malodorous Lesions Confusion/Delirium Constipation Coughing Depression Diarrhea and Anorectal Problems Dysphagia and Oropharyngeal Problems Edema: Peripheral Edema, Ascites, and Lymphedema Fatigue, Weakness (Aesthenia), and Excessive Sedation Fever, Flushing, and Diaphoresis Hiccups (Singultus) Imminent Death Insomnia and Nocturnal Restlessness Nausea and Vomiting Pain Pruritus Seizures Skeletal Muscle and Bladder Spasms Skin Breakdown: Prevention and Treatment Urinary Problems Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) 4. Appendices Appendix 1: Ketamine Protocol Appendix 2: Clinical/Functional Assessment and Staging Appendix 3: Lidocaine Infusions for Refractory Neuropathic Pain Appendix 4: Cannabis and Cannabinoids