This microlesson covers the use of the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS). The scale is designed to provide a general overview of the patient's condition and functional level. The PPS is widely used in hospice and palliative care as a quick standardized communication tool to assess areas of decline and help prognosticate.

This microlesson covers the use of Pain in Alzheimer's Dementia (PAINAD). PAINAD is a tool used for patients with cognitive impairment that may not be able to verbally communicate their pain needs. This lesson reviews what the tool is, when it is most appropriate to use, and how to utilize it effectively.

This microlesson reviews the use of Clinically Aligned Pain Assessment (CAPA), a conversation guide designed to document what the patient says, and to document it with structure. It consists of five domains: comfort, change in pain, pain control, functioning, and sleep. It is not a script, but a conversation that is documented using standard wording.

This microlesson reviews POSS, which stands for Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale. POSS helps facilitate the assessment of sedation as well as provides a standardized way to document sedation in electronic medical records. It is an evidence-based valid and reliable tool that uses five levels to help guide appropriate nursing interventions.