The Role of Steroids
in the End Stage
Steroid management in the hospice period
The steroid is the most important medication taken during this period of care. Not only may the drug have an impact on the length of survival, but it can also accomplish the goal of palliative (comfort) care.
Why dexamethasone can help at this stage
There are several ways that dexamethasone increases at this stage can mean good palliative care for the patient, although sometimes with a mixed bag of results. Here’s what you need to know.
How to tell that swelling is severe
Swelling can be assumed by the time the patient is needing end-stage care. How can you tell that swelling may be severe or may be under-addressed by the current dose of steroid?
Using dexamethasone to buy time
Maintaining an adequate dexamethasone dose during this period allows the caregivers to keep the patient comfortable and high-functioning for as long as possible.
Challenges to the caregiver as the
steroid dose is raised
With increases in the steroid dose, unfortunately, can come several side effects in particular that can make things challenging for the caregiver.