Question

5. Describe a person's level of functioning when they have a PPS of 10%.

Answer 1

A Palliative Performance Scale of 10% means the person has got the lowest functioning. That means the person maybe drowsy or in a coma state . He may or may not have confusion.

‘Confusion’ is used to denote presence of either delirium or dementia and is a reduced level of consciousness. It may be mild, moderate or severe with multiple possible etiologies. ‘Drowsiness’ implies either fatigue, drug side effects, delirium or closeness to death and is sometimes included in the term stupor. ‘Coma’ in this context is the absence of response to verbal or physical stimuli; some reflexes may or may not remain.

The person will be totally bedridden and will be unable to do any activities due to extensive disease. the person cannot do any self care and total care sould be provided by the healthcare staff. 'Total care’ means that the patient is completely unable to eat without help, toilet or do any self-care. Depending on the clinical situation, the patient may or may not be able to chew and swallow food once prepared and fed to him or her. Only mouthcare is possible ie. feeding done through a feeding tube.