Center to Advance Palliative Care

When versed and fentanyl continue to be used with palliative vent withdrawal the intent is to relieve untoward sypmtoms such as anxiety and dyspnea, the intent is not to suppress the respiratory drive. Respiratory suppression may occur when doses need to be escalated to relieve the untoward symptoms. The ethical principal of double effect allows that the greater good may be achieved by use of the medications in the palliative care setting. It is important to have policies, procedures and routine processes in place when using these medications in palliative care. Collaboration with pharmacy and IDT would also reflect due process in establishing the palliative plan of care in these critically ill and complex patients at the time of withdrawal of the support measures. Sharol Herr, RN, BSN, MSEd, CHPN; Nurse Clinician and Education Coordinator; Mount Carmel Health Palliative Care Leadership Center; Columbus, Ohio.