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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sending the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask is unnecessary for droplet precautions. Particulate filter masks, such as N95 respirators, are required for airborne precautions, not droplet precautions.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient is correct. Droplet precautions require a standard surgical mask to prevent the transmission of infections like bacterial meningitis. This allows the UAP to safely provide care without the need for a particulate filter mask.
Choice C rationale
Determining which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks is unnecessary for droplet precautions. This action is more relevant for airborne precautions, where particulate filter masks are required.
Choice D rationale
Advising the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care is incorrect. A standard face mask is sufficient for all aspects of care under droplet precautions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and calling a code would be inappropriate in this situation because the client has a signed do not resuscitate (DNR) form. A DNR order is a legal document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the client’s heart stops or if they stop breathing. Performing CPR would go against the client’s wishes and legal rights.
Choice B rationale
Asking the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to complete postmortem care is not the immediate next step. While postmortem care is necessary, the nurse must first report the client’s status to the healthcare provider to ensure proper documentation and follow-up actions.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the client’s status to the healthcare provider is the correct action. This ensures that the healthcare provider is aware of the client’s condition and can provide further instructions or documentation as needed. It is essential to follow the proper chain of command and legal protocols in such situations.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the family of the client’s death is important, but it is not the immediate next step. The nurse should first report the client’s status to the healthcare provider to ensure that all necessary medical and legal documentation is completed before contacting the family.