The wife is concerned because her terminally ill husband does not want to eat. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Let him know that food is available if he wants it, but do not insist that he eat."
b. "A feeding tube can be placed in the nose to provide important nutrients."
c. "Force him to eat even if he does not feel hungry, or he will die sooner."
d. "He is getting all the nutrients he needs through his intravenous catheter."
A
When family members understand that the client is not suffering from hunger and is not "starv-ing to death," they may allow the client to determine when, what, or if to eat. Often, as death approaches, metabolic needs decrease and clients do not feel the sensation of hunger. Forcing them to eat frustrates the client and the family.
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