Palliative Care Order Set - Stratis Health

Palliative Care
Annotations Committee on Evidence-Based Practice/May 6, 2008
Treatments
• Treat underlying causes
• Optimize function
• Promote adaptation and prioritize activities
• Modify daily activities
• Schedule rest periods with mild exercise for brief periods
Drug Therapy
There is little good data for non-specific drug therapy. Time-limited trials may be useful, but the patient
should be monitored closely for evidence of benefit.
• Methylphenidate 5 mg by mouth before breakfast and before lunch (maximum dose is 20 mg/
day)
• Dextroamphetamine 5-60 mg by mouth in 2-3 divided doses daily
• Prednisone 7.5-10 mg by mouth daily
• Dexamethasone 1-2 mg by mouth daily
• Megestrol acetate 160 mg by mouth 3 times daily
(Kaye, 1999 [R]; Palliative Care Pocket Consultant, 2005 [R])
13. Fever Management
An elevated temperature may cause significant discomfort for the patient. Acetaminophen is a relatively
nontoxic method to decrease fever and enhance comfort. Daily doses in excess of 4 grams per day have
been associated with liver toxicity. For fever that is unresponsive to acetaminophen, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drug (NSAID) may be added in between each dose of acetaminophen. NSAIDs should be
used cautiously in patients with renal impairment and history of gastrointestinal bleeding. To decrease the
risk of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal bleeding, a proton-pump inhibitor may be prescribed.
(Center for Advancement of Palliative Care, 2007a [R]; Center for Advancement of Palliative Care, 2007b
[R])
Orders
Acetaminophen 1,000 mg by mouth as needed (maximum dose if 4,000 mg/day)
Acetaminophen 650 mg rectal suppository every 4 hours as needed (maximum dose 4,000 mg/day)
Ibuprofen 400 mg by mouth every 4 hours (alternating with acetaminophen) as needed (maximum dose
3,200 mg/day)
14. Hiccups Management
Hiccups that last less than 48 hours are considered acute, while greater than 48 hours in duration are considered
persistent. The preferred treatment of hiccups is to correct or remove the underlying cause. When the
cause cannot be determined and treated, non-pharmacologic treatments may be tried, and if unsuccessful,
pharmacologic treatment may be instituted. Numerous case reports with varying agents are in the literature.
Many of the therapies work by blocking dopamine in the hypothalamus. Chlorpromazine is the only
FDA-approved drug for hiccups. In a single study, baclofen did not eliminate hiccups, but it did provide
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