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16 Your Loved One%u2019s SymptomsMOUTH SORES%u2022 Notify the nurse if your loved one complains of a sore mouth or if white patches are present.%u2022 Use mouth swish as ordered by doctor.%u2022 Clean mouth frequently (every two hours). Do not use a hard toothbrush or mouthwash.%u2022 Consider using a room humidifier for your loved one if they are mouth breathing (causes dry mouth).%u2022 Offer ice chips; avoid hot fluids.%u2022 Swab Maalox/Mylanta on ulcers to soothe mouth as ordered.%u2022 Remove dentures if irritating.%u2022 Encourage bland foods (e.g., Ensure, cold foods).%u2022 Avoid citrus fruits.NAUSEACan occur for multiple reasons: Is it medication related? Occur after meals? Occur with movement? Smell induced? Anxiety-related? Notify nurse if nausea is persistent.%u2022 Offer small, frequent light meals/snacks and bland foods (Jell-O, puddings).PAIN CONTROL | Please also see, Understanding Pain Control%u2022 Give pain medications on schedule as ordered. Record times of breakthrough pain. Record doses so your nurse can determine when dosages need to be increased.%u2022 Provide comfort measures like massage, position change, soft music, ice, warm moist compress, etc.%u2022 Notify the nurse immediately if your loved one is unable to swallow pain medications.Remember - do not crush medications or open capsules unless instructed by the nurse.PRESSURE SORES%u2022 Be careful lifting and turning to avoid friction.%u2022 Change position every two hours if you can do so. Use pillows or towel rolls to relieve pressure and provide comfort.%u2022 Use a draw sheet (sheet across middle of bed) for moving and turning. Your nurse or home health aide can show you how.%u2022 Notify the nurse if a sore appears.YOUR LOVED ONE IS UNRESPONSIVE | Please also see As Death Nears%u2022 Notify your nurse if your loved one is unresponsive so medications can be reviewed.%u2022 Breathing may change by becoming noisy, faster, slower, or irregular.%u2022 Urine output may decrease or become absent.%u2022 Skin, lips, and fingernails may become very pale, blue, or gray (decreased circulation).%u2022 Your loved one%u2019s skin may feel cool and sweaty; however, temperature may be elevated.%u2022 May see muscle twitching and/or random body movements.