The hospice nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who will ...

[V@ndy87]

The hospice nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who will probably die within the next hour or two. The patient's daughter is keeping a vigil by the bedside and asks what she can do to help her father at this time. What is the appropriate response
 
  a. Just let him know you are here, talk to him, and let him know that you love him.
  b. You can try to feed him a few bites of ice cream to keep his mouth from getting dry.
  c. You can take this time to ensure that arrangements are set with the funeral home.
  d. You should let me know when your father's breathing pattern changes.

Question 2

The home care nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who states that he wants to set up a scholarship in his name at the local university before he dies. What is the best action of the nurse?
 
  a. Suggest that the patient think it over and wait a few days before contacting the school.
  b. Direct the patient to ask his family about the possibility of starting a scholarship.
  c. Assess the patient's mental status to ensure that he is competent to make the decision.
  d. Assist the patient to find the necessary information about endowed scholarships.

[cuttiesgirl16]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The patient's daughter should be encouraged to spend the last moments of her father's life with him, reassuring him with her presence. The daughter should be encouraged to continue talking with him because the patient may still hear her even if his eyes are closed and he does not speak. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the patient for breathing changes. Oral intake will lead to nausea and/or aspiration. This is not the time to make arrangements with the funeral home.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
As the patient's advocate, the nurse should help provide the necessary information for the patient to set up a scholarship if that is his decision. The patient does not need to discuss the subject with his family first, and assessment of the patient's mental status is not needed. The patient may not have the time to wait a few days before contacting the university.