A nurse is planning care for a patient who is immobile and is experiencing urinary retention.
The nurse should plan to monitor the patient for which of the following?

Choice A rationale
Initiating life-saving measures such as a rapid response call would not be appropriate in this context. The patient is in a hospice setting, which focuses on providing comfort and quality of life for patients who are nearing the end of life, rather than aggressive life-saving interventions.
Choice B rationale
Calling the provider because these signs and symptoms are abnormal would not be the correct response. In a hospice setting, these symptoms are expected and are indicative of the natural dying process.
Choice C rationale
The statement that rapid respirations that are unusually deep and regular are curative for the patient is incorrect. Cheyne-Stokes respirations, characterized by a pattern of increasing and then decreasing depth of breath followed by a period of apnea, are often seen in patients nearing the end of life. They are not curative but are a sign of the body’s decreasing metabolic demands and changing physiology as death approaches.
Choice D rationale
The nurse understanding that these are impending signs of death and are normal is the correct response. The symptoms described, including loss of appetite, swelling of the limbs, increased sleep, Cheyne-Stokes respirations, and hallucinations, are all common in the final stages of life.
Recognizing these signs can help the nurse provide appropriate care and support to the patient and their family during this time.

Choice A rationale
This statement is incorrect. Exercise actually promotes the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Choice B rationale
This statement is correct. Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality and duration.
Choice C rationale
This statement is incorrect. Exercise actually increases energy levels by improving circulation and heart health.
Choice D rationale
This statement is correct. Regular exercise can help decrease stress and improve mood by promoting the release of endorphins.