title: [Symptom control and ethics in final stages of COPD].
abstract: On the basis of a case study, the complex problems of the final stages of a COPD will be demonstrated and discussed. Dyspnea and anxiousness are the primary symptoms. If they can be adequately brought under control by opiates and benzodiazepines, a palliative sedation is then not necessary. The communicative and ethical demands on the team responsible are high. It is important to be aware of the specific needs of the patient and of his/her family members, and to competently accompany the patient throughout the decision-making process--such as the decision to end respiratory therapy, for example. Clarifying the situation with the patient and finding out his/her wishes, accompanied by the corresponding documentation, is advisable.
authors.affiliation: Palliativstation, Krankenhaus St. Franziskus, Grieskirchen, Osterreich. palliativ@khgr.at
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hörfarter
authors.forename: Dietmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weixler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000941:ethics; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018447:Medical Futility / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009022:Morphine Derivatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009269:Nalorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D009022:Morphine Derivatives; D009020:Morphine; C009648:vendal neu; D009269:Nalorphine