Author Question: A client has just been referred to hospice care, and the spouse asks the hospice nurse why the ... (Read 145 times)

pane00 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client has just been referred to hospice care, and the spouse asks the hospice nurse why the client needs the change in services. The response by the nurse is:

1. So we can see if there's any way to improve your spouse's life.
2. There is no need for acute care any longer.
3. It's best for your spouse to be cared for at home.
4. Hospice care is cheaper than acute care.

Question 2

The spouse of a client diagnosed with Stage I/II Alzheimer's disease must continue to work full-time.

The spouse tells the occupational health nurse that the client has started to wander outside the house, forgets to turn off the stove after preparing food, and tries to drive the car if the client finds the keys. The nurse should recommend which of the following?
1. Long-term care placement for the client
2. That the spouse should consider early retirement
3. Placing the client in an adult day-care environment
4. Considering increasing the client's medications to slow the progress of the disease

kusterl · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The central concept of the hospice movement is not saving life but improving or maintaining the quality of life until death. Hospice care provides a variety of services given to the terminally ill, their families, and support persons. The place of care varies, but includes home, hospital, or skilled nursing facilities..
Rationale 2: Acute care may be warranted as the client's condition changes.
Rationale 3: The place of hospice care varies, but includes home, hospital, or skilled nursing facilities.
Rationale 4: Hospice care may well be cheaper, but this is not the main reason for referral to hospice services.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Placing a client from an independent home situation to long-term care would be more detrimental than a gradual progression of care.
Rationale 2: Telling the spouse to consider early retirement is neither therapeutic nor realistic.
Rationale 3: Day-care centers provide care and nutrition for adults who cannot be left at home alone but do not need to be in an institution. These centers often provide care involving socializing, exercise programs, and stimulation. Some provide counseling and physical therapy. Nurses who are employed in day-care centers may provide medications, treatment, and counseling.
Rationale 4: Increasing medications is a decision that needs to be made by the client's primary caregiver, not the nurse nor does it address the spouse's concerns regarding care.