Palliative Sedation

This chapter examines palliative sedation and the advanced practice registered nurse’s (APRN) roles and responsibilities when caring for patients with intractable suffering at the end of life. Palliative sedation is an important therapy of last resort to relieve suffering in patients who have intractable pain and/or other symptoms. It requires knowledge of appropriate medications and an interdisciplinary approach. The chapter discusses definitions of palliative sedation and situations where it is appropriate. Key aspects of safe implementation and appropriate medications for palliative sedation are discussed. Ethical and legal aspects and national position statements from nursing and medical professional societies are also reviewed.