The nurse is caring for a client who is discussing being placed on hospice care. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of hospice care?

C. Assisting the client in slowed breathing techniques is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Slowed breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help normalize respiratory rate and depth, thereby correcting the respiratory alkalosis. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and deeply can help reduce the respiratory rate and restore a more balanced acid-base status.
A. Administering a sedative may not be the initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Sedatives can depress the respiratory drive further and may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis. Additionally, administering sedatives should be based on a comprehensive assessment and medical prescription, rather than as a first-line intervention for hyperventilation.
B. While hyperventilation can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling seizure activity (such as muscle twitching or numbness), assessing for seizure activity is not typically the initial intervention for respiratory alkalosis. In the context of acute psychological stress causing hyperventilation, addressing the hyperventilation itself is the priority.
D. While monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is important in assessing the client's overall condition, it is not the initial intervention specifically for addressing respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. The priority in this situation is to address the hyperventilation itself through appropriate breathing techniques.

C. Excessive noise in the hospital environment, including alarms, conversations, and equipment noises, can disrupt sleep and negatively impact sleep quality. Therefore, limiting unnecessary noise on the unit is a crucial nursing intervention for improving sleep quality in the acute care setting. This may involve implementing quiet hours, reducing unnecessary conversations and activities during nighttime hours, and using noise-reducing strategies such as earplugs or white noise machines.
A. While providing a bedtime snack may help alleviate hunger and promote comfort, especially if the client is on a restricted diet or experiencing appetite changes, it may not directly address factors affecting sleep quality. Additionally, consuming food close to bedtime may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with dietary restrictions or certain medical conditions. Therefore, while a bedtime snack may be beneficial in some cases, it may not be the most important intervention for improving sleep quality in the acute care setting.
B. Pulling curtains around the bed can help create a sense of privacy and reduce visual distractions, which may contribute to a more conducive sleep environment. Enhanced privacy can also promote relaxation and feelings of security, potentially improving sleep quality. However, while privacy curtains can mitigate some external disturbances, they may not completely eliminate factors that affect sleep, such as noise or light.
D. Providing a backrub can promote relaxation, relieve tension, and enhance comfort, which may contribute to improved sleep quality for some patients. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, potentially facilitating better sleep. However, while backrubs can be a beneficial adjunct to promoting relaxation and comfort, they may not address all factors that affect sleep quality in the acute care setting.