"My dad had been in good health until this past February when he had two disastrous falls, resulting in a subdural hematoma which nearly killed him. Fortunately, a neurosurgeon was able to drain out most of the blood under his skull, beginning a long, slow recovery process. For several weeks my dad was complete assist, meaning he required help for … [Read more...]
Bargaining in Your Patient’s Best Interest
Peter, a spry 91-year-old gentleman with progressive dementia, arrived in the ER after pulling out his feeding tube while sleeping. His daughter, Linda, stated, "He hates this thing. Does he really need it?" While hospitalized for a hip fracture, Peter’s nurses observed him choking while eating. A swallow study with contrast revealed he was at risk for … [Read more...]
Palliative Care Tools
Andy was just discharged from the hospital, but had to return to the ED when his breathing worsened. At 72, he had smoked most of his life and was also exposed to asbestos while working construction. While his doctors believed he had mesothelioma, the pathology report from a lung biopsy was still pending. Andy did not wish to stay in the hospital again, but … [Read more...]
