A patient with a terminal illness may experience severe physical pain and mental distress. Some recommend sedation to help a patient in this situation.
Possible forms of sedation:
(1) mild to moderate sedation
(2) deep sedation
(3) short-term deep sedation (respite sedation)
Some feel that deep sedation should not be given since it may hasten death.
Requirements:
(1) death imminent
(2) severe physical and/or mental distress unresponsive to other therapy
(3) do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) order
(4) informed consent
Sedation may be done in conjunction with discontinuation of artificial hydration and nutrition.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) euthanasia: intent is for the patient to die within a short period
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.