The son of a dying patient tells the nurse, Mother doesn't really ...

[jessicacav]

The son of a dying patient tells the nurse, Mother doesn't really respond any more when I visit. I don't think she knows that I am here. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
 
  a. You may need to cut back your visits for now to avoid overtiring your mother.
  b. Withdrawal may sometimes be a normal response when preparing to leave life.
  c. It will be important for you to stimulate your mother as she gets closer to dying.
  d. Many patients don't really know what is going on around them at the end of life.

Question 2

Which patient should the nurse refer for hospice care?
 
  a. 60-year-old with lymphoma whose children are unable to discuss issues related to dying
  b. 72-year-old with chronic severe pain as a result of spinal arthritis and vertebral collapse
  c. 28-year-old with AIDS-related dementia who needs palliative care and pain management
  d. 56-year-old with advanced liver failure whose family members can no longer provide care in the home

[ndhahbi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Withdrawal is a normal psychosocial response to approaching death. Dying patients may maintain the ability to hear while not being able to respond. Stimulation will tire the patient and is not an appropriate response to withdrawal in this circumstance. Visitors are encouraged to be present with the patient, talking softly and making physical contact in a way that does not demand a response from the patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Hospice is designed to provide palliative care such as symptom management and pain control for patients at the end of life. Patients who require more care than the family can provide, whose families are unable to discuss important issues related to dying, or who have severe pain are candidates for other nursing services but are not appropriate hospice patients.