A hospice patient is unable to tolerate food or fluids and has advance directives that indicate that he does not want IV fluids or tube feedings if he is unable to take oral feedings. His family is concerned that he will be very uncomfortable without food or fluids. The nurse should tell them that:
IV fluids or tube feeding would likely make the patient more uncomfortable, and dehydration has been shown to decrease pain and discomfort.
Once the patient is unconscious, his health care proxy can order IV fluids or tube feedings to prevent dehydration.
IV fluids or a tube feeding would make the patient much more comfortable, and they should try to talk him into accepting them.
dehydration is painful, and medication can be given to overcome any pain.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This response aligns with best practices in hospice care, which prioritize comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients. Dehydration is a common occurrence at the end of life and is generally not associated with discomfort when managed appropriately. IV fluids or tube feedings may cause discomfort, contribute to fluid overload, or lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
B. While the healthcare proxy may have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the patient, the focus should be on honoring the patient's wishes as expressed in advance directives. If the patient has clearly indicated a preference against IV fluids or tube feedings in their advance directives, this should be respected.
C. Encouraging the family to try to talk the patient into accepting IV fluids or tube feedings goes against the principles of patient autonomy and informed decision-making. The decision regarding medical interventions should be based on the patient's preferences and comfort.
D. While dehydration can be uncomfortable in some circumstances, providing adequate symptom management, including pain medication, is essential in hospice care. However, IV fluids or tube feedings are not typically used to manage dehydration in patients who are at the end of life, as they may not improve comfort and can lead to complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This statement may minimize the neighbor's grief by suggesting that time will automatically make things easier. While time can help with the grieving process, it is important to acknowledge and validate the neighbor's current feelings.
B. This statement may unintentionally invalidate the neighbor's grief by implying that he should be happy because his wife is no longer suffering. It disregards the neighbor's current emotional state and may not provide comfort.
C. This statement acknowledges the neighbor's gesture and his shared love of gardening with his wife, Helen. It validates his grief and provides an opportunity for the nurse to express her own appreciation for Helen's expertise, which may help the neighbor feel understood and supported.
D. This statement may pressure the neighbor to suppress his emotions and put on a façade of happiness, which could be detrimental to his grieving process. Additionally, suggesting what Helen would want may not be helpful in this situation, as grief is a personal and individual experience.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Spirituality can increase the quality of life: Spirituality plays a significant role in end-of-life care and can positively impact a client's well-being. Engaging in spiritual practices, finding meaning and purpose, and connecting with one's beliefs or faith can enhance the overall quality of life for individuals facing the end of life. Research has shown that spiritual beliefs and practices can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of peace, contributing to a higher quality of life during this challenging time.
B. Spirituality can increase feelings of hopelessness: While spirituality generally fosters feelings of hope and comfort, it is possible for individuals to experience spiritual distress or questioning that may temporarily increase feelings of hopelessness. However, this is not the typical outcome of spiritual engagement for most individuals near the end of life.
C. Spirituality can increase depression: Engaging in spirituality and connecting with one's beliefs or faith often serves as a source of solace and support, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. While spiritual struggles or existential questions may arise, spirituality is more commonly associated with reducing depressive symptoms rather than increasing them.
D. Spirituality can increase the desire to hasten death: Spirituality often provides individuals with a sense of meaning, purpose, and hope, which can serve as protective factors against the desire to hasten death. While spiritual distress or questioning may occur, it is not typically associated with an increased desire to hasten death.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.