A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill. The ...

[bobthebuilder]

A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill. The client's spouse states, I am concerned because he does not want to eat. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. Let him know that food is available if he wants it, but do not insist that he eat.
  b. A feeding tube can be placed in the nose to provide important nutrients.
  c. Force him to eat even if he does not feel hungry, or he will die sooner.
  d. He is getting all the nutrients he needs through his intravenous catheter.

Question 2

A nurse discusses inpatient hospice with a client and the client's family. A family member expresses concern that her loved one will receive only custodial care. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. The goal of palliative care is to provide the greatest degree of comfort possible and help the dying person enjoy whatever time is left.
  b. Palliative care will release you from the burden of having to care for someone in the home. It does not mean that curative treatment will stop.
  c. A palliative care facility is like a nursing home and costs less than a hospital because only pain medications are given.
  d. Your relative is unaware of her surroundings and will not notice the difference between her home and a palliative care facility.

[Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
When family members understand that the client is not suffering from hunger and is not starving to death, they may allow the client to determine when, what, or if to eat. Often, as death approaches, metabolic needs decrease and clients do not feel the sensation of hunger. Forcing them to eat frustrates the client and the family.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Palliative care provides an increased level of personal care designed to manage symptom distress. The focus is on pain control and helping the relative die with dignity.

[bobthebuilder]

TYSM

[blakcmamba]

Excellent