A family requested a visit from a hospice nurse as they think the client appears to be nearing the end of life. The nurse assesses the client.
Which of the following signs indicate that the client is near death?
Decreased muscle tone, relaxed jaw muscles, sagging mouth.
Urine output is clear yellow.
Altered breathing (apnea, labored or irregular breathing, Cheyne-Stokes pattern).
Congestion/increased pulmonary secretions; noisy respirations (death rattle).
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Choice A rationale
Decreased muscle tone, relaxed jaw muscles, and a sagging mouth are common signs that indicate a client is near death. These changes occur as the body begins to shut down and muscle control diminishes.
Choice B rationale
Clear yellow urine output is not typically associated with the end-of-life stage. As death approaches, urine output usually decreases and may become darker in color.
Choice C rationale
Altered breathing patterns, such as apnea, labored or irregular breathing, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration, are common signs that a client is nearing death. These changes in breathing patterns are due to the body’s decreasing ability to regulate respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Congestion and increased pulmonary secretions, often referred to as the “death rattle,” are common signs that a client is near death. These noisy respirations occur as the body’s ability to clear secretions diminishes.
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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased muscle tone, relaxed jaw muscles, and a sagging mouth are common signs that indicate a client is near death. These changes occur as the body begins to shut down and muscle control diminishes.
Choice B rationale
Clear yellow urine output is not typically associated with the end-of-life stage. As death approaches, urine output usually decreases and may become darker in color.
Choice C rationale
Altered breathing patterns, such as apnea, labored or irregular breathing, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration, are common signs that a client is nearing death. These changes in breathing patterns are due to the body’s decreasing ability to regulate respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Congestion and increased pulmonary secretions, often referred to as the “death rattle,” are common signs that a client is near death. These noisy respirations occur as the body’s ability to clear secretions diminishes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Providing client-focused information is important, but it does not confirm that the client has understood the critical information. The nurse needs to ensure that the client has comprehended the instructions.
Choice B rationale
Observing the client’s body language can provide some insight into their understanding, but it is not a reliable method to confirm comprehension. The nurse needs to use a more direct approach to ensure understanding.
Choice C rationale
Asking the client for learning feedback is the most important strategy to confirm that the client is learning the critical information. This method allows the nurse to assess the client’s understanding and clarify any misconceptions. It ensures that the client has comprehended the instructions and can apply the information correctly.
Choice D rationale
Reinforcing key points with the client is important, but it does not confirm that the client has understood the critical information. The nurse needs to ensure that the client has comprehended the instructions.