Euthanasia & Client Grief PDF

VTHT 2201 Euthanasia & Client Grief Euthanasia  “the act of inducing painless death”  Difficult and emotional decision for clients  sorrow, guilt, anger, helplessness  family considerations  financial concerns  challenges of caring for ill or injured pet Making the Decision...

VTHT 2201 Euthanasia & Client Grief Euthanasia  “the act of inducing painless death”  Difficult and emotional decision for clients  sorrow, guilt, anger, helplessness  family considerations  financial concerns  challenges of caring for ill or injured pet Making the Decision  Client needs information to make decision  prognosis and likely course of disease  treatment options  cost and nursing care  what to expect when pet is euthanized  can client be present? can Dr make a house call?  options for handling the pet's remains  Do NOT make decision for client  “what should I do?” “what would you do?”  ask questions to help client clarify their own thoughts The Steps of Euthanasia  May be given sedation beforehand  IV injection of a barbiturate - a large overdose  Loss of consciousness within seconds  Respirations and heartbeat stop within a minute  Reflexes- gasping, urination, defecation  Reflexes - do NOT indicate pain  May have to go directly into heart if veins not patent  Verify- no heartbeat, no respirations, no corneal reflex Things to Remember  MUST have signed consent form BEFORE procedure  MUST record use of controlled drugs in the log and in medical record  Confirm client's wishes for handling the remains  Be sure to remove name from list for vaccination reminders, other mailings  Clients appreciate a memorial  Card  Flowers  Donation Providing Support  Parents may not know what to tell children about pet's death/ euthanasia  Clients may not anticipate their grief, and may not get much support  Listen, affirm client - let them know they can call with questions, concerns  Provide resources  Grief support in DFW  Pet loss support page  When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers  Goodbye, Friend, Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski