Author Question: A terminally ill patient is experiencing secretions pooling in the back of the throat. What can the ... (Read 51 times)

jhjkgdfhk · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A terminally ill patient is experiencing secretions pooling in the back of the throat. What can the nurse do to help this patient feel more comfortable?

1. Raise the head of the bed.
2. Gently massage the patient.
3. Provide frequent small sips of fluids.
4. Provide oral care.

Question 2

A terminally ill patient is demonstrating signs of spiritual distress. Which should the nurse do first to assist this patient?

1. Use the FICA assessment.
2. Help the patient with guided imagery.
3. Offer to pray with the patient.
4. Leave the patient alone with her thoughts.

momo1250 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

The nurse should reposition the patient and raise the head of the bed if fluids accumulate in the upper airways and back of the throat. Gentle massage helps with accumulating edema of the extremities. Small sips of fluids and oral care help with the discomfort of drying oral mucous membranes.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Because the nurse often feels uncertain about implementing interventions that would be helpful to the patient responding to a loss, the FICA assessment can be used to assess a patient's spiritual or religious practices. The nurse should use the FICA assessment before implementing guided imagery, offering to pray with the patient, or leaving the patient alone to be with her thoughts.