Which symptom is often mismanaged in palliative care?

Dyspnea is often mismanaged in palliative care due to factors such as the subjective nature of the symptom and the complexities surrounding its assessment and treatment. Patients may experience varied levels of dyspnea based on underlying conditions, emotional state, and other coexisting symptoms. This variability can lead to challenges in accurately gauging the severity and specific needs of the patient. Additionally, there may be hesitance in prescribing adequate opioid medications for dyspnea due to concerns about respiratory depression, despite evidence supporting their use in managing such symptoms effectively. As a result, dyspnea management may not be as optimized as it should be within palliative care settings, leading to unnecessary suffering for patients who experience this distressing symptom. Improved education and protocols around managing dyspnea can enhance patient comfort and care.