The nurse is preparing to assist the patient in the end stage of her life. How should the nurse provide comfort for the patient who is showing fatigue?

Question

a. Spend more time with the patient.
b. Limit the use of analgesics.
c. Provide larger meals with more seasoning.
d. Determine valued activities, and schedule rest periods.

Answer 1

D

Feedback
A Spending more time with the patient conveys caring and allows verbalization, but it is not the best way to promote comfort for a fatigued patient.
B The use of analgesics should not be limited. Controlling the terminally ill patient's level of pain is a primary concern in promoting comfort.
C Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may increase the terminally ill patient's likelihood of inadequate nutrition. The nurse should serve smaller portions and bland foods, which may be more palatable.
D To promote comfort in the terminally ill patient, the nurse should help the patient to identify values or desired tasks, and then help the patient to conserve energy for those tasks.