Author Question: A terminally ill patient is experiencing dyspnea and tells the nurse that he feels like he is ... (Read 73 times)

gbarreiro · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A terminally ill patient is experiencing dyspnea and tells the nurse that he feels like he is suffocating. What can the nurse do to assist this patient?

1. Keep the room cool with a slight breeze.
2. Increase the heat in the room.
3. Provide additional intravenous fluids.
4. Assist the patient to a sitting position out of bed.

Question 2

After an unsuccessful resuscitation attempt, a patient dies. What should the nurse do first?

1. Document the time of death.
2. Notify the funeral home.
3. Contact the physician.
4. Contact the orderly for transport to the morgue.

trampas · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Nursing care to improve respirations includes keeping the head of the bed elevated, keeping the room cool, and providing a breeze from a fan. Raising the temperature in the room will not reduce the feeling of suffocation. Providing additional intravenous fluids may contribute to fluid accumulation in the lungs and contribute to the feeling of suffocation. The patient is terminally ill with dyspnea and therefore should not be ambulating or sitting out of bed.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

After death, the time must be recorded in the patient's record. After documentation is completed, the attending physician will require notification. Notification of the funeral home must wait pending a decision about the need for an autopsy as well as a review of the family's wishes. The body can be transported to the morgue after family members have been notified and allowed to see their loved one.