Keywords

goals of care, gross hematuria, hospice, palliative, pain management, urology

 

Authors

  1. Groninger, Hunter MD
  2. Phillips, Jayne M. MS, CRNP, OCN

Abstract

A distressing complication for patients and families, gross hematuria at the end of life challenges hospice and palliative care clinicians to utilize skills in medical and nursing management, communication and clarification of patient goals, and relief of symptom burden. Massive hemorrhage in the genitourinary tract can radically alter the terminal trajectory for patients and necessitate intensive interventions aimed at promoting comfort. Here, a case of gross hematuria in an adult hospice patient serves to broaching decision-making challenges and management strategies.