I ask because I have a son who was terminally ill with leukemia. I believe he was overdosed with morphine. I know the dosages he was given but am trying to find out if he was given too much. His breathing was extremely slowed. I feel like maybe it did not all happened legitimaly or legally.
2007-10-22 04:09:04 · 2 answers · asked by luvley73 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
morphine is based on body weight when given to children, slowed breathing and deep relaxation are expected when this med is given. The idea is to keep the child comfortable.
I know how difficult it is to lose a child, having lost my daughter to Leukemia, but truly, it is the healthcare professional's goal in terminal illness to maintain comfort and to that end morphine is an excellent drug.
2007-10-22 04:13:45 · answer #1 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doses given to terminally ill patients are different than those given to regular patients. This is because the body builds up a tolerance to it. So, when it is taken on a regular basis, it takes higher doses to reach a therapeutic level. Yes, it may have slowed the respiratory system, that is a side effect. But it was also keeping your child pain free at the end of his life. I can't imagine how hard it is to deal with losing someone, especially a child, but I'm sure no one intentionally harmed him.
2007-10-22 11:21:19 · answer #2 · answered by terpfaninohio 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋