A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving hospice care in the home. The family asks, "how will we know when death is near?" The nurse should inform the family that which of the following signs indicates that death is approaching? (Select all that apply.)
Confusion and restlessness.
Increased appetite and thirst.
Increase in urinary and bowel output.
Increased fatigue and sleep.
Excess secretions in the throat and decrease swallow reflex.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Confusion and restlessness: Confusion and restlessness can indicate changes in cerebral perfusion as the body begins to shut down. These signs may occur as death approaches.
B. Increased appetite and thirst: Increased appetite and thirst are less likely as death approaches.
In fact, clients often have decreased appetite and thirst as the body's systems slow down.
C. Increase in urinary and bowel output: As death approaches, urinary and bowel output typically decrease as the body's metabolic processes slow down.
D. Increased fatigue and sleep: Increased fatigue and sleepiness are common as death approaches. The body's energy levels decrease, leading to increased periods of sleep and rest.
E. Excess secretions in the throat and decrease swallow reflex: Excess secretions in the throat and a decrease in the swallow reflex can occur as the body's ability to manage secretions diminishes. This can lead to a gurgling sound in the throat known as the death rattle.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I get chest pain from time to time, but it usually resolves with rest.": While chest pain (angina) can occur with aortic stenosis, it is not as specific as the symptom described in option D. Angina could be related to various other cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease.
B. "Sometimes when I'm resting, I can feel my heart skip a beat.": Palpitations or feeling like the heart skips a beat are common in many cardiac arrhythmias but are not specifically indicative of aortic stenosis.
C. "My feet and ankles have gotten very puffy the last few weeks.": Edema (puffy feet and ankles) is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure or other conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, not specifically aortic stenosis.
D. "Whenever I do any form of exercise, I get very short of breath.": Dyspnea on exertion is a classic symptom of aortic stenosis. It occurs because the narrowed aortic valve obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, reducing cardiac output and causing exertional symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "My sense of smell is taking a long time to return.": This statement indicates a misunderstanding because, after a total laryngectomy, the sense of smell is significantly impaired or lost due to the inability to breathe through the nose. The client needs further teaching to understand that this change is likely permanent.
B. "Breathing through my stoma has diminished my sense of smell.": This statement is accurate as the stoma bypasses the nasal passages, reducing the sense of smell.
C. "I can't smell what I eat, but hope to enjoy eating in the future.": This shows an understanding that the sense of smell is impaired but expresses a positive outlook on enjoying food in other ways.
D. "I am happy to have a mild sense of taste despite no sense of smell.": This statement indicates an understanding of the sensory changes post-laryngectomy and reflects realistic expectations.
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