A hospice patient is unable to tolerate food or fluids and has advance directives that indicate that he does not want IV fluids or tube feedings if he is unable to take oral feedings. His family is concerned that he will be very uncomfortable without food or fluids. The nurse should tell them that:
IV fluids or tube feeding would likely make the patient more uncomfortable, and dehydration has been shown to decrease pain and discomfort.
Once the patient is unconscious, his health care proxy can order IV fluids or tube feedings to prevent dehydration.
IV fluids or a tube feeding would make the patient much more comfortable, and they should try to talk him into accepting them.
dehydration is painful, and medication can be given to overcome any pain.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This response aligns with best practices in hospice care, which prioritize comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients. Dehydration is a common occurrence at the end of life and is generally not associated with discomfort when managed appropriately. IV fluids or tube feedings may cause discomfort, contribute to fluid overload, or lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
B. While the healthcare proxy may have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the patient, the focus should be on honoring the patient's wishes as expressed in advance directives. If the patient has clearly indicated a preference against IV fluids or tube feedings in their advance directives, this should be respected.
C. Encouraging the family to try to talk the patient into accepting IV fluids or tube feedings goes against the principles of patient autonomy and informed decision-making. The decision regarding medical interventions should be based on the patient's preferences and comfort.
D. While dehydration can be uncomfortable in some circumstances, providing adequate symptom management, including pain medication, is essential in hospice care. However, IV fluids or tube feedings are not typically used to manage dehydration in patients who are at the end of life, as they may not improve comfort and can lead to complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. The respiratory rate increasing may indicate discomfort or agitation rather than a therapeutic response to the massage.
B. The shoulders drooping may indicate relaxation, a release of tension and potentially improved comfort.
C. The relaxation of facial muscles indicates a therapeutic response to the back massage, as it suggests the client is experiencing relief from tension or discomfort.
D. Drawing the legs up into a fetal position may indicate discomfort or agitation rather than a therapeutic response to the massage.
E. The pulse remaining within the expected range suggests that the client is not experiencing undue stress or discomfort in response to the massage, indicating a therapeutic response.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Final: This option does not correspond to any stage of the grieving process or Kubler-Ross's stages of dying.
B. Acceptance: In Kubler-Ross's stages of dying, acceptance is the final stage. When a dying patient verbalizes that they are "ready," it suggests they have reached a level of acceptance regarding their impending death.
C. Bargaining: Bargaining is a stage where individuals attempt to negotiate or make deals to change the outcome of their situation. It typically occurs before acceptance in the stages of dying.
D. Denial: Denial is one of the initial stages where individuals refuse to accept the reality of their situation. It does not correspond to a dying patient indicating they are "ready."
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