A dying 78‑year‑old woman with advanced lung cancer has noisy respiratory secretions (‘death rattle’). Glycopyrronium has already been administered

Question

A dying 78‑year‑old woman with advanced lung cancer has noisy respiratory secretions (‘death rattle’). Glycopyrronium has already been administered with only partial effect. The family are very distressed by the noise. What is the MOST important intervention?

Accepted Answer

Offer a compassionate explanation to the family that the noise is not distressing the patient

Answer

Increase the dose of glycopyrronium to the maximum as the preferred next step

Answer

Ask the family to step out of the room as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Vigorous deep suctioning to clear the secretions as the preferred next management strategy

Answer

Stop the syringe driver as the preferred next management strategy in this patient

Death Rattle Family Communication Priority — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

A dying 78‑year‑old woman with advanced lung cancer has noisy respiratory secretions (‘death rattle’). Glycopyrronium has already been administered with only partial effect. The family are very distressed by the noise. What is the MOST important intervention?