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 B
Explanation
A. People mistakenly think they are experiencing seasonal allergies: While seasonal allergies may share some symptoms with the common cold, such as nasal congestion and sneezing, they are caused by allergens rather than viruses. This factor does not directly contribute to the high communicability of the common cold.
B. The virus is spread by individuals who don't have symptoms: The common cold is highly communicable because individuals infected with the virus can spread it to others even before they develop symptoms or when they have mild symptoms. This makes it challenging to prevent the spread of the virus, as infected individuals may not realize they are contagious.
C. Hand washing is not effective against the cold virus: Hand washing is an effective measure for preventing the spread of the common cold virus. Proper hand hygiene can help reduce the transmission of the virus from contaminated surfaces to the nose and mouth.
D. Use of over-the-counter cold products reduces immune resistance: Over-the-counter cold products may help relieve symptoms of the common cold but do not directly affect immune resistance. However, reliance on symptomatic relief without taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus can contribute to its communicability.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Client develops petechiae on the arms, legs, and abdomen: Petechiae can indicate thrombocytopenia, which may be a complication of heparin therapy but is not an urgent concern unless severe or associated with bleeding.
B. Health care provider orders Coumadin 2.5 mg P.O. to begin today: Coumadin (warfarin) is often initiated as a bridge therapy or overlap with heparin therapy in pulmonary embolism management. This order is not necessarily inappropriate and may be part of the treatment plan.
C. Client develops slight ecchymosis at the venipuncture site: Ecchymosis at the venipuncture site can occur due to minor trauma during the insertion of IV lines or blood draws and is not necessarily indicative of a complication requiring immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
D. Client's partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 70 seconds and the control is 25-40 seconds: A significantly elevated PTT indicates a potential overdose of heparin, putting the client at risk of bleeding complications. This finding warrants immediate notification of the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of heparin therapy.
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