How should I give dad morphine for shortness of breath? Should I do it as needed or on a timed schedule? It usually works for 2ish days. Sometimes he can go extra day and sometimes he needs it sooner. He’s not in any pain.. it's just for shortness of breath. I don’t want to overly medicated him to the point of sleepiness.
The prescription on the bottle said every 3 hours - at first I didn't need to go that often. She would get 6-8 hours of relief from one dose. I didn't give her more than I thought she needed for relief. But as her breathing became more and more labored, I had to give it more often. The last day, hospice said I could go to every 2 hours if she needed it. If I had to give it more often, they just requested that I call to let them know, but that never became necessary.
If your dad is able to talk to you, be guided by what he's telling you about how he's feeling. If he's unable to communicate verbally, hospice should be able to tell you how to recognize if he's in distress. I'm assuming the morphine is a liquid - if he can't swallow, you can use the syringe to place it between his gums and cheek and rub gently - it will absorb through the skin.
My thoughts are with you, Nikki. I know how hard this is to go through and watch. It might not seem like it now, but when all is said and done you'll find solace in the fact that you were able to keep your dad comfortable during his last journey. You're taking such good care of him, he is very, very lucky to have you. (((hugs)))
My opinion, give it as needed. Like said if Dad can tell you how he feels go with what he says. You can tell they are in pain because their blood pressure will shoot up.
I read your reply to daughter. A hospice nurse is there to guide you. Whether its the same one all the time or different ones they should be able to answer all your questions. They should be available 24/7.
Every time I've been on a pain pump after surgery, the nurses commented that I used less than 1/3rd of what I 'could' have used. That's because you keep the pain at bay and it's better all around.
But do talk to Hospice, OK?
In hospice settings Morphine almost always has to be delivered in strength high enough to cause some sleepiness; again this is something you need to discuss with hospice.
I am wishing you the very very best as you give this care for your Dad.
Do that anyway, to check that the following is true for him (it may not be, he may have different needs or a different type of px, for example)...
... as you're in the fortunate position where your father is able to state whether he wants the morphine to assist his breathing, offer him the dose at the prescribed intervals but don't give it to him if he states he doesn't feel he needs it.
Do not give more or more frequently than prescribed.
You will find it helpful to keep a written record. This should show:
the day and date
the time of day
the amount prescribed
and what happened, e.g. declined, taken, and how much.
You can probably download charts off the internet for keeping track, though I haven't looked. Every care setting uses them.
[I just looked, there are zillions of them. Google "MAR chart template" and pick one you like the look of - I mean this just for your own reference and peace of mind, by the way, not for fear that anyone might be checking up on you.]