Exam 6: Hydration and Nutrition at the End of Life

A terminally ill patient tells the nurse that though he has no appetite and is fatigued after he eats, the food does give him more energy. The nurse realizes that this patient might consider which of the following?

The family of a terminally ill patient is upset that the patient is no longer receiving intravenous fluids or tube feedings and believes that the hospital is "trying to kill" the patient. Which of the following should be done to assist this family?

The healthcare team is planning to meet with the family of a terminally ill patient to discuss continuing or discontinuing hydration and nutrition. Which of the following should be included in this discussion?

A patient with a terminal illness is receiving continuous tube feedings through a pump. The nurse assesses that the patient is becoming progressively weaker and suspects which of the following is occurring with the patient?

A terminally ill patient receiving tube feedings has developed a productive cough and increasing shortness of breath. Which of the following should the nurse do?

A terminally ill patient receiving tube feedings tells the nurse that he "misses" having a cup of coffee. The nurse realizes that the patient is describing which of the following?

A terminally ill patient wants to stop all foods and fluids but the family is trying to dissuade him from this decision. Which of the following can be done to help the family and patient?

A terminally ill patient says that he feels better when he does not drink fluids. The nurse realizes that which of the following is occurring with this patient?

Around-the-clock tube feedings have been discontinued for a terminally ill patient. The family is concerned that death will occur faster without nutrition. Which of the following might be appropriate ways for the nurse to respond to the family?

A terminally ill patient asks to be provided with artificial nutrition for a few months to see if he can regain his strength. Which of the following should the nurse do to support this patient?

A patient diagnosed with cancer is unable to eat because of painful mouth sores. The nurse realizes that which of the following might be helpful for this patient?

A terminally ill patient tells the nurse that he has had a good life, would like to die in peace, and does not want any more food or fluids. The nurse realizes that which of the following has occurred with this patient?

The family of a terminally ill patient who has voluntarily stopped eating and drinking asks the nurse how long the patient will survive without food of fluids. Which of the following responses should the nurse give to the family?

The daughter of a terminally ill patient is upset and asks the nurse "what are you doing for my father, since you aren't even giving him anything to eat or drink?" The nurse realizes that the family member is equating foods and fluids with:

The physician of a terminally ill patient suggests that the time-limited trial of artificial hydration and nutrition be stopped since the patient's status has not improved. Which of the following does this suggest to the nurse?

A patient tells the nurse that since he stopped eating, he does not feel nauseated and can actually breathe better. The nurse realizes the patient is describing:

A terminally ill patient asks his family to leave the room while the nurse provides his "liquid lunch." The nurse realizes that the patient is considering the tube feeding as being:

The wife of a terminally ill patient tells the nurse that she is "sorry" that they started tube feedings since it seems now that he will be dependent on them for the rest of his life. The nurse should respond with which of the following?

A terminally ill patient is receiving tube feedings. When the meal tray for the roommate arrives, the patient says "that smells so good. I wish I could eat something." Which of the following should the nurse do?