A patient who nearing the end of life is irritable and ...

[craiczarry]

A patient who nearing the end of life is irritable and uncomfortable in bed. Which actions should the nurse take to make the patient more comfortable?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. Raise the head of the bed.
  2. Apply bed pads over the linens.
  3. Gently massage the extremities.
  4. Reduce the amount of pain medication.
  5. Use a draw sheet to turn the patient.

Question 2

A patient with a terminal illness is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. Which medications should the nurse consider appropriate for the patient at this time?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. Furosemide (Lasix)
  2. Ondansetron (Zofran)
  3. Meperidine (Demerol)
  4. Morphine sulfate (Morphine)
  5. Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

[karmakat49]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5

Actions to help this patient achieve comfort include raising the head of the bed, applying bed pads over the linens, gently massaging the extremities, and using a draw sheet when turning. Reducing the amount of pain medication can increase this patient's level of pain.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2, 5

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a common problem in dying patients. If the patient is conscious and complains of nausea, antiemetics such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) or ondansetron (Zofran) should be administered. Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic. Meperidine (Demerol) is an analgesic that can metabolize into products that could lead to seizure activity. Morphine sulfate (Morphine) is an analgesic, which could be causing this patient's nausea and vomiting.