A hospice nurse is planning care for a patient who is near death.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the patient’s plan of care to promote the patient’s comfort?

Choice A rationale

This statement indicates a concern about financial stability, which is a valid concern but does not necessarily indicate adaptation to the caregiver role.

Choice B rationale

While rearranging furniture to accommodate a walker is a positive step towards creating a safe environment for the client, it does not necessarily indicate that the caregiver has fully adapted to their new role. It shows an effort to modify the physical environment, but adaptation to the caregiver role involves more than just physical changes.

Choice C rationale

Apologizing for the dishes piling up in the kitchen sink may indicate feelings of overwhelm or stress, which are common in new caregivers. However, this statement does not necessarily indicate adaptation to the caregiver role.

Choice D rationale

This statement indicates that the caregiver is taking steps to maintain their own well-being while also caring for their loved one. By arranging for a neighbor to come over so they can take time for themselves, the caregiver is demonstrating an understanding of the importance of

self-care in their new role. This is a key aspect of adapting to the caregiver role.

Choice A rationale: The client’s persistent fever is a common symptom of the plague and many other infections.

Choice B rationale: The client’s statement about getting flea bites during their trip is significant because the plague is often transmitted through the bite of an infected flea.

Choice C rationale: The client’s recent travel to South Asia could have exposed them to areas where plague is endemic or there are ongoing outbreaks.

Choice D rationale: The presence of tender, inguinal lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes in the groin area) is a classic sign of bubonic plague.

Choice E rationale: Body aches can be a symptom of the systemic infection caused by the plague.

Choice F rationale: New onset of weakness can be a symptom of the systemic infection caused by the plague.

Choice G rationale: Headache and chills are common symptoms of the plague and many other infections.

Choice H rationale: Pruritic (itchy) lesions on the right leg could be the site of the flea bites that transmitted the plague bacteria.

Choice I rationale: Clear lungs to auscultation bilaterally does not necessarily rule out the plague. While pneumonic plague does affect the lungs, bubonic plague (the most common form) primarily causes lymphadenitis and does not typically present with respiratory symptoms in the early stages.