A terminally ill patient is experiencing a great deal of dyspnea and noisy, "rattling" rapid respirations. The nurse administers morphine in a very small liquid or intramuscular dose. The purpose of this is to:

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.

A. Do not force the client to stay awake: Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and dignity to the patient, and forcing the client to stay awake would not align with this goal. Allowing the client to rest as needed is essential for maintaining comfort during the end-of-life process.

B. Administer pain medication by rectal or transdermal when client can no longer swallow: As the client approaches death, they may lose the ability to swallow oral medications. Administering pain medication rectally or via transdermal patches ensures that the client continues to receive adequate pain relief even when oral intake is no longer possible.

C. Position the client on her side: Positioning the client on her side helps prevent aspiration if there is vomiting and promotes comfort by reducing pressure on bony prominences. This position also facilitates effective airway management and can help alleviate respiratory distress.

D. Offer to turn and reposition client every 2 hours: Turning and repositioning can help prevent pressure ulcers and maintain skin integrity, during the terminal stage of illness. The frequency of turning and repositioning may be adjusted based on the client's comfort and clinical condition.