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 A
Explanation
A. Dyspnea: Worsening dyspnea may indicate complications such as heart failure or embolization of infectious material to the lungs, which can occur in infective endocarditis as a result of vegetation formation on heart valves. Dyspnea can suggest decreased cardiac output or pulmonary involvement, indicating a worsening condition.
B. Malaise: Malaise is a nonspecific symptom that is common in infective endocarditis due to systemic infection and inflammation. While it can be present in both mild and severe cases, it may not specifically indicate worsening of the condition without other signs of deterioration.
C. Fever: Fever is a hallmark symptom of infective endocarditis and may persist or worsen with progressive infection. However, fever alone may not necessarily indicate worsening if the client is already febrile due to the underlying infection.
D. Anorexia: Anorexia or loss of appetite can occur in infective endocarditis due to systemic illness but may not specifically indicate worsening without other signs of deterioration. It is important to assess for other signs of worsening condition, such as hemodynamic instability or embolic events, in conjunction with anorexia.
Correct Answer is "{\"xRanges\":[104.2578125,134.2578125],\"yRanges\":[114.30078125,144.30078125]}"
Explanation
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