title: Teaching family members intrathecal morphine administration.
abstract: Pain caused by cancer in the pelvis and sacrum is difficult to control using standard methods. Systemic narcotics are frequently ineffective in providing relief of pain despite constant sedation. Cancer patients can undergo placement of a subarachnoid catheter attached to a subcutaneous reservoir, which allows one to three daily injections of intrathecal morphine sulfate by family members. The caregiver, usually the spouse, is taught the injection technique in the hospital in preparation for treatment at home. Most patients receive satisfactory to excellent relief of pain in the pelvis and sacral area using this technique.
mesh_terms: D005190:Family; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D013663:Teaching
chemical_list: D009020:Morphine