The nurse is providing care to a dying client. Which of the ...

[TVarnum]

The nurse is providing care to a dying client. Which of the following is the primary concern? The nurse should:
 
  1. Promote optimism in the client and be a source of encouragement
  2. Promote dignity and self-esteem in as many interventions as is appropriate
  3. Allow the client to be alone and expect isolation on the part of the dying person
  4. Intervene in the client's activities and promote as near normal functions as possi-ble

Question 2

A client that was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness asks his nurse about organ donation. The nurse should:
 
  1. Have the client first discuss the subject with the family
  2. Suggest the client delay making a decision at this time
  3. Assist the client to obtain the necessary information to make this decision
  4. Contact the client's physician so consent can be obtained from the family

[Mochi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 2
The focus in planning nursing care is to support the client physically, emotionally, developmen-tally, and spiritually in the expression of grief. When caring for the dying client, it is important to devise a plan that helps a client to die with dignity and offers family members the assurance their loved one is cared for with care and compassion. Optimism should not be the primary focus when caring for the dying client. The nurse should promote the client's self-esteem and allow the client to die with dignity. The client does not need to be left alone. The nurse's or family's pres-ence may be comforting to the client by showing that he or she is being cared for and is worthy of attention. The client should be allowed to make choices and perform as many activities of daily living independently as possible. This allows the client to maintain self-esteem and dignity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
No topic that a dying client wishes to discuss should be avoided. The nurse should respond to questions openly and honestly. As client advocate, the nurse should assist the client to obtain the necessary information to make this decision. The nurse should provide the client with information in order to make such a decision. Although the nurse may suggest that the client discuss this op-tion after having obtained information, it is up to the client to discuss the subject with the family. The nurse should respect the client and provide the necessary information for him or her to make a decision rather than dismissing the client's question. It is not necessary to contact the physician or the family for consent for organ donation if the client is capable of making this decision.

[TVarnum]

Gracias!

[bulacsom]

Excellent