CHAPTER 29:
A nurse on a geriatric medical care unit consults hospice for a client. Which of the following nursing
interventions should the nurse
... [Show More] anticipate after the client begins hospice care?
A) Administering chemotherapy to a client with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
B) Assessing the deep tendon reflexes of a client with neurologic impairment
C) Infusing total parenteral nutrition to a client with dysphagia
D) Providing an opioid analgesic to a client with bone metastases
Ans: D
The focus of hospice care is on the relief of suffering rather than cure of disease. Relief of suffering often
encompasses providing pain relief to clients. Active curative treatments, such as chemotherapy, and parenteral
feeding often are forgone. Health assessments that do not assess the client's comfort, such as the assessment of deep
tendon reflexes, are not the priority of palliative/hospice care
A nurse cares for an 87-year-old client from India who has noted Hinduism as religious preference on
admission records. This client is transferred to the hospice unit. Which of the following actions by the nurse
best shows caring?
A) Ask the family to tell you about Hinduism.
B) Assess the client's spiritual needs.
C) Notify the family's pastor.
D) Pray with the client and family.
Ans: B
Spiritual assessment should take place on admission and throughout the client's time in palliative care. Spiritual care
is within the scope of nursing, and prayer would be appropriate if it were chosen based on a sound assessment of the
client's needs and belief system. Nurses should be prepared to refer to whatever spiritual leader the client expresses a
desire to speak with. Now is not the time to query, it is the time to listen.
A nurse explores resources available to assist a client. Which of the following older adults meets the eligibility
requirements for hospice care?
A) A client who is immobilized and unable to afford specialized nursing care
B) A client who has experienced a stroke and been given 3 months to live
C) A client with cancer who is living with uncontrolled persistent pain
D) A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who lacks family support to provide needed care
Ans: B
The eligibility requirements for hospice care include physician referral and a life expectancy of less than 6 months.
Financial need, high pain levels, and lack of family support are not explicit qualifiers for hospice care.
A nurse cares for an older adult who is nonresponsive and surrounded by family. Which of the following
statements by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "I am here for you, how can I be helpful?"
B) "I know just how you feel, my mother died last month."
C) "I'll leave you alone so that you can grieve in private."
D) "She was a really nice lady; she did a good job raising you." [Show Less]