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 C
Explanation
A. "Increase your intake of grapefruit juice."
Grapefruit juice can interact with many medications, including colchicine, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects or reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is not recommended to increase grapefruit juice intake while taking colchicine.
B. "Expect to have increased generalized bruising." Increased bruising is not a common side effect of colchicine.
C. "Monitor for muscle pain."
Colchicine is associated with myotoxicity, which can manifest as muscle pain or weakness. Therefore, the client should be instructed to monitor for signs and symptoms of muscle pain and report them promptly to their healthcare provider.
D. "Take this medication without food if nausea develops."
While colchicine can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, taking it without food may exacerbate these symptoms. It is generally recommended to take colchicine with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Elevated temperature: Elevated temperature is not typically associated with advanced COPD unless there is an underlying infection. Infections such as pneumonia may exacerbate COPD symptoms but are not universal findings in advanced COPD.
B. Pursed-lip breathing: Pursed-lip breathing is a common compensatory mechanism seen in clients with COPD. It helps to slow down the rate of expiration and prevents alveolar collapse, improving gas exchange.
C. Clubbing of the fingers: Clubbing of the fingers is not typically associated with COPD. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic hypoxemia, congenital heart disease, and certain lung diseases like bronchiectasis.
D. Concave chest: In advanced COPD, the chest may appear hyperinflated with a barrel-shaped chest due to air trapping. The presence of a concave chest is not characteristic of COPD.
E. Dyspnea at rest: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of COPD. In advanced stages, clients may experience dyspnea even at rest due to severe airflow limitation and impaired gas exchange.
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