“What's the point of palliative sedation?”
My aunt, who was in hospice before she died, was sedated--I'm just wondering about the reason for sedating someone in hospice care? Is it just for pain, so they wouldn't suffer any more?
1 Answer
Sedatives don’t treat pain they relieve anxiety and perhaps a sedative was administered to assist with any anxiety or stress your family member may have experienced? For instance, as some are in a terminal state and may have some respiratory compromise or trouble clearing oral secretions, there’s the concern the patient may be feeling like they’re suffocating, especially if they aren’t conscious and able to communicate that.
I hope this helps answer your question.
Robert Pousman
I hope this helps answer your question.
Robert Pousman
