A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and is in the active phase of dying. The client refuses further hydration and nourishment. What action should the nurse take?
Ask the client's healthcare surrogate for permission to withhold nourishment.
Request a prescription for IV fluids.
Explain the importance of oral hydration to the client.
Provide regular oral care for the client with a moist swab.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Provide regular oral care for the client with a moist swab. When a client with a terminal illness and in the active phase of dying refuses further hydration and nourishment, the nurse should provide comfort measures such as regular oral care to prevent discomfort. The nurse should not force the client to eat or drink or request a prescription for IV fluids. The healthcare surrogate cannot be asked for permission to withhold nourishment as the client has the right to refuse nourishment.
Option A - The client has the right to refuse nourishment, and healthcare surrogate permission is not required.
Option B - Requesting a prescription for IV fluids is not an appropriate intervention as the client has the right to refuse nourishment.
Option C - Explaining the importance of oral hydration to the client is not an appropriate intervention as the client has the right to refuse nourishment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, "Cover the pad prior to use." This is a necessary precaution to prevent burns. Choice B is incorrect because filling the pad with sterile water is not necessary. Choice C is incorrect because aquathermia pads should only be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time. Choice D is incorrect because using safety pins to secure the pad in place can puncture the pad and cause burns. Choice B is not correct because filling the pad with sterile water is not necessary. Choice C is not correct because aquathermia pads should only be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time. Choice D is not correct because using safety pins to secure the pad in place can puncture the pad and cause burns.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client should wear a mask during transport to prevent the spread of infectious droplets. The nurse should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the precautions required for the specific client, which in this case would be a mask. The nurse does not need to wear a gown as droplet precautions do not require the use of a gown during transport.
The correct answer is choice C, the client should wear a mask during transport.
Choice A rationale:
The client wearing a gown during transport is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless there is a risk of the gown becoming contaminated with infectious material. Gowns are primarily used to protect the healthcare worker or other patients if there is direct contact with the patient.
Choice B rationale:
While the nurse should wear a mask if they will be within close proximity to the client, the primary concern in droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infection from the client, who is the source of the droplets.
Choice C rationale:
The client should wear a mask during transport to contain respiratory secretions and minimize the risk of droplet spread, as droplets can be disseminated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. This is a key component of source control in droplet precautions.
Choice D rationale:
Similar to choice A, the nurse wearing a gown during transport is not a standard requirement for droplet precautions unless there is anticipated contact with the patient or their environment that might result in contamination.
In summary, the primary goal of droplet precautions is to prevent the spread of infections through large respiratory droplets that are expelled by the client. Therefore, having the client wear a mask is the most effective measure among the options provided to reduce the risk of transmission during transport.
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