Which intervention takes priority for the patient receiving ...

[ss2343]

Which intervention takes priority for the patient receiving hospice care?
 
  a. Turning and repositioning the patient every 2 hours
  b. Assisting the patient out of bed into a chair twice a day
  c. Administering pain medication to keep the patient comfortable
  d. Providing the patient with small frequent, nutritious meals

Question 2

Mr. Jackson is terminally ill with metastatic cancer of the colon. His family notices that he is suddenly more focused and coherent. They are questioning whether he is really going to die.
 
  The nurse recognizes that a sudden surge of activity may occur
  a. Moments before death
  b. Days to hours before death
  c. 1 to 2 weeks before death
  d. 1 to 3 months before death

[manuelcastillo]

Answer to Question 1

C
A priority intervention for the hospice team is administering pain medications to keep the patient comfortable. Turning the patient to prevent skin breakdown and promote comfort is also important, but it does not take priority over administering pain medications. The patient may not be able to eat meals or get out of bed into the chair and may tolerate only small amounts at a meal. During the dying process, bowel activity reduces and digestion is minimal, which often results in nausea or food intolerance. Additionally, the body's need for nutrition and hydration is reduced as the body begins the desiccation process.

Answer to Question 2

B
Days to hours before death, patients commonly experience a surge of energy that brings mental clarity and a desire to speak with family. One to 3 months before death, the dying person begins to withdraw from the world by sleeping more and eating less. One to 2 weeks before death, the body loses its ability to maintain itself, and body systems begin to deteriorate. Near the time of death, the dying person does not respond to touch or sound and cannot be awakened.

[ss2343]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[bulacsom]

Excellent