A nurse discusses inpatient hospice with a client and the client's family. A family member ...

A nurse discusses inpatient hospice with a client and the client's family. A family member expresses concern that her loved one will receive only custodial care. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. The goal of palliative care is to provide the greatest degree of comfort possible and help the dying person enjoy whatever time is left.
  b. Palliative care will release you from the burden of having to care for someone in the home. It does not mean that curative treatment will stop.
  c. A palliative care facility is like a nursing home and costs less than a hospital because only pain medications are given.
  d. Your relative is unaware of her surroundings and will not notice the difference between her home and a palliative care facility.

Question 2

An intensive care nurse discusses withdrawal of care with a client's family. The family expresses concerns related to discontinuation of therapy. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. I understand your concerns, but in this state, discontinuation of care is not a form of active euthanasia.
  b. You will need to talk to the provider because I am not legally allowed to participate in the withdrawal of life support.
  c. I realize this is a difficult decision. Discontinuation of therapy will allow the client to die a natural death.
  d. There is no need to worry. Most religious organizations support the client's decision to stop medical treatment.

Question 3

A nurse assesses a client who is dying. Which manifestation of a dying client should the nurse assess to determine whether the client is near death?
 
  a. Level of consciousness
  b. Respiratory rate
  c. Bowel sounds
  d. Pain level on a 0-to-10 scale

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a terminally ill client who has just died in a hospital setting with family members at the bedside. Which action should the nurse take first?
 
  a. Call for emergency assistance so that resuscitation procedures can begin.
  b. Ask family members if they would like to spend time alone with the client.
  c. Ensure that a death certificate has been completed by the physician.
  d. Request family members to prepare the client's body for the funeral home.