A nurse is preparing to administer three medications to a client who is receiving continuous enteral feeding through an NG tube.
Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Explanation: Making funeral arrangements is an indication of hopelessness because it shows that the client has given up on the possibility of recovery or improvement. A decreased energy level, requesting a second opinion, and wanting to talk about the diagnosis are not necessarily signs of hopelessness, but rather normal reactions to a terminal illness.

The correct answer is choice c. Limit fluid intake with meals.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a bronchodilator after meals is not ideal because bronchodilators are typically given before meals to help open the airways and make breathing easier during eating.

Choice B rationale:

Ambulating the client before each meal might cause fatigue, making it harder for the client to eat and potentially decreasing their overall intake.

Choice C rationale:

Limiting fluid intake with meals can help prevent the client from feeling too full, which can make it easier for them to consume more solid food. This is particularly important for clients with COPD who may already have a reduced appetite and difficulty eating large amounts at once.

Choice D rationale:

Offering three large meals each day is not recommended for clients with COPD. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally better tolerated and can help prevent the feeling of fullness that can make breathing more difficult.