If you have questions about any of these terms or one not listed here, please ask your care team. We want to help you understand the details of your loved one’s care.
Anxiety
feelings of fear, dread or uneasiness
Atropine
a comfort medication that is helpful for congestion and rattly breathing
Comfort Medications
medications that are commonly prescribed for end-of-life symptoms
Constipation
the infrequent, incomplete or difficult passage of stool
Dyspnea
difficult or labored breathing
Endorphins
natural pain killers produced by the body
Haloperidol (Haldol)
a comfort medication that is helpful for agitation associated with confusion/delirium and also for nausea
Lorazepam
a comfort medication that is helpful for anxiety, restlessness and shortness of breath
Nebulizer
a device that uses forced air to distribute breathing medications into the lungs
Morphine
a comfort medication that is helpful for pain and shortness of breath; examples include MS Contin and Roxanol
Opiods
a group of medications used to treat pain; examples include Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl and Methadone
Pulse Oximetry (“Pulse Ox”)
a measurement of the amount of oxygen in an individual’s blood
Pursed Lip Breathing
a strategy to slow breathing by breathing in through your nose and then breathing out slowly through your lips while shaped like you are whistling
Senna
a comfort medication that is used to prevent or treat constipation
Secretions
a mucus collection that usually takes place in the nose, mouth or throat
Vital Signs (“Vitals”)
a measurement of pulse rate, oxygen level, respiration rate and blood pressure