Author Question: A client is dying of brain tumor but has maintained her level of consciousness and cognition, even ... (Read 64 times)

Charlie · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A client is dying of brain tumor but has maintained her level of consciousness and cognition, even as death is now imminent.

The client's physical condition has deteriorated significantly over the past 48 hours and she adamantly states that she no longer wishes to eat. How should the care team respond to the client's statement? A) Initiate total parental nutrition
B) Insert a nasogastric tube for tube feeding
C) Have the dietitian liaise with the family to convince the client to eat
D) Stop trying to feed the client

Question 2

A physician has ordered transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for a client with back pain. Which of the following candidates is most suitable for TENS?

A) Client who is an athlete
B) Client who is pregnant
C) Client with a cardiac pacemaker
D) Client with atrial fibrillation

gcook · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
Clients who maintain their mental capacity have the right to refuse care. The client's wishes should be explored in more detail, but it would be inappropriate to coerce or force the client to continue taking nutrition. Clients who are dying should not be made to feel guilty for not wanting to eat or drink.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Clients involved in sports activities are most suitable for TENS. Several athletes undergo TENS when they are in acute pain. TENS is a nonnarcotic, noninvasive method, and has no toxic side effects. However, TENS is contraindicated in pregnant women because its effect on the unborn fetus has not been determined. Clients with cardiac pacemakers, especially the demand type; clients prone to irregular heartbeats; and clients with previous heart attacks are not candidates for TENS.