A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving hospice care in the home. The family asks, "how will we know when death is near?" The nurse should inform the family that which of the following signs indicates that death is approaching? (Select all that apply.)
Confusion and restlessness.
Increased appetite and thirst.
Increase in urinary and bowel output.
Increased fatigue and sleep.
Excess secretions in the throat and decrease swallow reflex.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Confusion and restlessness: Confusion and restlessness can indicate changes in cerebral perfusion as the body begins to shut down. These signs may occur as death approaches.
B. Increased appetite and thirst: Increased appetite and thirst are less likely as death approaches.
In fact, clients often have decreased appetite and thirst as the body's systems slow down.
C. Increase in urinary and bowel output: As death approaches, urinary and bowel output typically decrease as the body's metabolic processes slow down.
D. Increased fatigue and sleep: Increased fatigue and sleepiness are common as death approaches. The body's energy levels decrease, leading to increased periods of sleep and rest.
E. Excess secretions in the throat and decrease swallow reflex: Excess secretions in the throat and a decrease in the swallow reflex can occur as the body's ability to manage secretions diminishes. This can lead to a gurgling sound in the throat known as the death rattle.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "After the surgery, I will have to be careful with heavy lifting for a few weeks": This statement demonstrates understanding of postoperative precautions, as heavy lifting can strain the surgical site and delay healing.
B. "I know that after the surgery, I will only have one testicle left": This statement indicates awareness of the surgical procedure and its potential outcomes, which is accurate.
C. "I will have to take antibiotics as prescribed by my doctor to prevent infection": This statement reflects understanding of the importance of antibiotic therapy to prevent postoperative infection, which is correct.
D. "I will need to avoid showering for a month after the surgery": This statement is incorrect.
Avoiding showering for a month after surgery is unnecessary and could lead to poor hygiene and potential complications such as infection. The client should be educated that showering is typically allowed after surgery, but they should avoid soaking the incision site in water until it has healed properly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Isolation gown: Isolation gowns are used as part of contact precautions or airborne precautions for specific infectious diseases that require additional transmission-based precautions beyond standard precautions. However, standard precautions are generally sufficient for caring for clients with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy.
B. Contact isolation: Contact isolation is used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. HIV does not require contact isolation unless there are additional infections or conditions present that warrant contact precautions.
C. Standard precautions: Standard precautions are the basic infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of the suspected or confirmed infection status of the patient. This includes practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, gown, mask, eye protection) when indicated, and safe injection practices. Standard precautions should be used for all patients, including those with HIV, to prevent the transmission of infectious agents.
D. Respiratory isolation: Respiratory isolation is used for patients with known or suspected respiratory infections that are transmitted through respiratory droplets. HIV is not transmitted through respiratory droplets and does not require respiratory isolation.
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