A nurse is caring for a terminally ill client who has just died ...

[codyclark]

A nurse is caring for a terminally ill client who has just died in a hospital setting with family members at the bedside. Which action should the nurse take first?
 
  a. Call for emergency assistance so that resuscitation procedures can begin.
  b. Ask family members if they would like to spend time alone with the client.
  c. Ensure that a death certificate has been completed by the physician.
  d. Request family members to prepare the client's body for the funeral home.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a family member about various types of complementary therapies that might be effective for relieving the dying client's anxiety and restlessness.
 
  Which statement made by the family member indicates understanding of the nurse's teaching?
 
  a.
  Maybe we should just hire an around-the-clock sitter to stay with Grandmother.
  b.
  I have some of her favorite hymns on a CD that I could bring for music therapy.
  c.
  I don't think that she'll need pain medication along with her herbal treatments.
  d.
  I will burn therapeutic incense in the room so we can stop the anxiety pills.

[T4T]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Before moving the client's body to the funeral home, the nurse should ask family members if they would like to be alone with the client. Emergency assistance will not be necessary. Although it is important to ensure that a death certificate has been completed before the client is moved to the mortuary, the nurse first should ask family members if they would like to be alone with the client. The client's family should not be expected to prepare the body for the funeral home.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Music therapy is a complementary therapy that may produce relaxation by quieting the mind and removing a client's inner restlessness. Hiring an around-the-clock sitter does not demonstrate that the client's family understands complementary therapies. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional therapy. Complementary therapy would not replace pain or anxiety medication but may help decrease the need for these medications.