A palliative approach to the breathless patient
A palliative approach to the breathless patient
This chapter provides some pointers in managing the symptom of breathlessness. These pointers aim to assist palliative care specialists in giving appropriate and helpful treatment to patients in the different phases of their diseases. Some questions that may aid in determining the breathlessness of a person are provided. These questions address and provide insight on: the causes of breathlessness in a person and the underlying diseases that may cause it; the perception of the family and the patient concerning prognosis and diagnosis; the priorities and expectations of the family and the patient; the plan of care; the frequency of reviewing the treatment plans and priorities; the appropriate persons to review and reassess treatment plans; the appropriate time to discuss end-of-life planning and terminal phase; and the services for patients facing end of life.
Keywords: pointers, breathlessness, palliative care, treatment, causes of breathlessness, underlying diseases, family, patient, prognosis, diagnosis
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