Select physical signs you may see in a patient who is actively dying.

Choice A rationale
While palliative care can indeed help improve a patient’s quality of life, it is not typically aimed at curing the disease or significantly prolonging life. Instead, the focus is on managing symptoms and improving comfort. Therefore, the statement “This treatment should help me live a little longer and give me hope for a cure” does not accurately reflect the goals of palliative care.
Choice B rationale
The statement “I will continue my strict dietary plan” does not necessarily indicate an understanding of palliative care. While maintaining good nutrition can be an important part of managing some conditions, palliative care is more focused on symptom management and improving quality of life. Strict dietary restrictions may not be necessary or beneficial in a palliative care context.
Choice C rationale
The statement “I am hoping this will limit my discomfort and give me the best quality of life for me” accurately reflects the goals of palliative care. Palliative care aims to manage symptoms, including pain and discomfort, and to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Choice D rationale
The statement “This is not working and I plan to stop treatment” does not necessarily reflect an understanding of palliative care. While a patient has the right to stop treatment at any time, this decision should be based on a thorough understanding of their condition and the potential benefits and drawbacks of continuing or discontinuing treatment.

Choice A rationale
While it’s important for the client to understand the alternatives to the procedure, it’s typically the responsibility of the physician or surgeon to explain these alternatives, not the nurse.
Choice B rationale
One of the nurse’s responsibilities in the informed consent process is to confirm that the client is competent to sign for the procedure. This means ensuring that the client understands the procedure, its risks and benefits, and is making the decision voluntarily.
Choice C rationale
Discussing the risks of the procedure with the client is typically the responsibility of the physician or surgeon, not the nurse.
Choice D rationale
While the nurse may provide some information about what will occur during the procedure, it’s typically the responsibility of the physician or surgeon to provide detailed information about the procedure.