A nurse in an acute care center is caring for a client who just died. The client’s family requests to perform the postmortem care. Which of the following is an appropriate response for the nurse to make?

The correct answer is choice D. Flex hips and knees when assisting the client to a standing position.

Choice A rationale:

Raising the bed to waist level before moving the client is not recommended because it can increase the risk of falls and injuries. The bed should be at a height that allows the nurse to maintain proper body mechanics and ensure the client’s safety during the transfer.

Choice B rationale:

Pivoting on the foot farthest from the bed when assisting the client into the chair is incorrect. The nurse should pivot on the foot closest to the bed to maintain stability and control during the transfer.

Choice C rationale:

Standing on the client’s stronger side when moving the client into the chair is not the best practice. The nurse should stand on the client’s weaker side to provide support and prevent the client from falling towards their weaker side.

Choice D rationale:

Flexing hips and knees when assisting the client to a standing position is correct. This technique helps the nurse maintain proper body mechanics, reduces the risk of injury, and provides better support to the client during the transfer.

The correct answer is choice D. “You are feeling angry that your family continues to wish for a cure?”.

This response reflects the client’s feelings and encourages further communication.

It also shows empathy and respect for the client’s situation.

Choice A is wrong because it implies that the client is responsible for their family’s lack of understanding.

It may also make the client feel defensive or guilty.

Choice B is wrong because it is judgmental and dismissive of the client’s feelings.

It may also discourage the client from expressing their emotions.

Choice C is wrong because it focuses on the nurse’s needs rather than the client’s.

It may also sound intrusive or presumptuous to the client.

Hospice care is for people who are in the final stages of an incurable illness and want to focus on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatments.

Hospice care teams provide physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support to clients and their families.

Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospital, in a nursing home, or in a specialized hospice center.