12
Treatment
Figure 3. Inpatient Management of Patients with Dyspnea
in the Last Days of Life
Acute complications
if applicable
Cancer
Co-morbidities if applicable
Airflow/fan
Pharmacologic measures
Self management strategies
Breathing techniques
Breathing postures
Physical therapy
Acupressure/reflexology
Bronchodilators
if bronchospasm
Corticosteroids
if structural causes
Benzodiazepines
if severe anxiety
Opioids
Routine screening
If non-communicating,
consider RDOS
Supplemental O
2
if hypoxemic
In descending order of preference:
In descending order of preference:
Basic Measures
Specialist palliative care
referral if available
Non-pharmacologic
measures
Further assessment
Treatment of
underlying cause(s)
Concurrent
management
