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Pain and Symptom Management and Care of the Actively Dying Patient

Sets out how the Agency assesses and manages pain and other symptoms, from the registered nurse assessment with emphasis on pain and symptom control (LAC 48:I §8219.C.1) through the plan of care interventions, reassessment after treatment (Agency clinical standards), uncontrolled symptoms and periods of crisis, opioid safety, the patient’s right to accept or refuse treatment, and care of the actively dying patient and family.

Preview: full text with a package
About this policy
Policy number
LA-HSP-PAIN-01
Version
1.0
Main rule
LAC 48:I §8219.C.1
Library
Louisiana hospice · 60 policies
Category
Hospice care
Sections
20

In short

  • Ask about pain and other symptoms at every visit, using the same scale each time; use a behavior scale if the patient cannot tell you.
  • Check whether an extra dose worked: about an hour after a dose by mouth, 15 to 30 minutes after an injection.
  • If pain or another symptom is not controlled, call the practitioner the same day, or at once if it is severe.
  • Start a bowel plan with opioids and teach the family the signs of too much medicine.
  • Families may call us any time on (225) 555-0199; when death is near, explain what to expect and who to call.

What's inside

20 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.

Full text with a package
  • Terms of Reference
  • 1. Purpose
  • 2. Scope
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Policy Statement (LAC 48:I §8219.C.1)
  • 5. Assessment
  • 6. Planning Care
  • 7. Reassessment After Treatment
  • 8. Common Symptoms
  • 9. Uncontrolled Symptoms and Periods of Crisis
  • 10. Opioid Safety
  • 11. When a Patient Declines Treatment
  • 12. Care of the Actively Dying Patient
  • 13. Responsibilities
  • 14. Records and Compliance Monitoring
  • 15. Staff Training
  • 16. References
  • 17. Related Policies and Forms
  • 18. Approval
  • 19. Revision History

An inspector may ask

  • How do you assess pain in a patient who cannot tell you about it?
  • Show me this patient’s pain scores and what was done when the pain was not controlled.

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