A nurse is caring for a patient who is on bed rest and is experiencing constipation.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale
Mottling of the skin, especially in the lower extremities, is a common sign of impending death. This is due to decreased blood flow and can be a sign that the body is starting to shut down.
Choice B rationale
This statement is incorrect. As a person nears death, their blood pressure typically decreases, not increases.
Choice C rationale
Cheyne-Stokes breathing, which is characterized by a pattern of increasing and decreasing respiration with periods of apnea, is a common symptom in the final stages of life.
Choice D rationale
This statement is incorrect. As a person nears death, their skin may become cool to the touch and may appear pale or mottled.
Choice E rationale
Regular respiration is not typically a sign of impending death. In fact, changes in breathing patterns, such as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, are more common.

Choice A rationale
Increasing attendance at community social activities may not be a realistic goal for a patient in hospice care with Stage 4 breast cancer. The patient’s physical condition and energy levels may limit their ability to participate in such activities.
Choice B rationale
Receiving medication to minimize episodes of breakthrough pain is a realistic and important goal for a patient in hospice care. Effective pain management is a key aspect of end-of-life care.
Choice C rationale
Experiencing a weight gain of one to two pounds per week may not be a realistic goal for a patient in hospice care with Stage 4 breast cancer. Patients at this stage of illness often experience weight loss, not gain.
Choice D rationale
Verbalizing an understanding of the mode of disease transmission may not be a relevant goal for a patient in hospice care with Stage 4 breast cancer. The focus of care at this stage is typically on comfort and quality of life, rather than disease education.