Question from Caring.com Community Member, grifin46
How long does a doctor or other health professional usually wait to give morphine if the patient is not eating or drinking?
Expert Answer by Jennifer Serafin
Jennifer Serafin is a registered nurse and geriatric nurse practitioner at the Jewish Homes for the Aged in San Francisco.
When someone is not eating or drinking, this is usually a sign that their body is shutting down. If the potential is there that someone is nearing death, I will make sure that they have pain medications ordered so that they will be comfortable. If a person is able to swallow safely, oral medications like Vicodin can be given. However, as time progresses, morphine is one of the best medications for a terminal discomfort. Not only can it help pain, but it can ease breathing, help lessen anxiety, and promote comfort. Not only that, but it comes in many formulations so that we can tailor it to individual patients needs.
The key is not to start it too late, as then the pain can get hard to control. At my facility, we start it as soon as pain or shortness of breath becomes an issue. We initially use very small doses, usually only a couple of milligrams at a time. This usually works quickly, without causing too many side effects.
I have many years of experience with taking care of dying patients. Unless you give someone an overdose, morphine does not hasten death as many people believe. I have seen people on morphine for years who are able to live comfortably. Please discuss any concerns you have about morphine use with the healthcare professionals that are taking care of your loved one. I am sure they will address your concerns.
Answer
answered:
It depends on the illness and the manner in which the doctor is treating it. My mother was was put on morphine when I signed her up under Hospice. She was in the end stages, and I think that is when it is truly considered. Most patient's pain is managed by Vicodin, but eventually this does not do the job well.
One thing to remember is that morphine will hasten the process of the illness and death.
This issue is something the doctor would go over with you in detail. There are pros and cons to it, but ultimately when they get to this stage, it is heartbreakting to watch them suffer.
