The nurse is providing care to a dying client. Which of the following is the primary concern? The nurse should:

Question

1. Promote optimism in the client and be a source of encouragement
2. Promote dignity and self-esteem in as many interventions as is appropriate
3. Allow the client to be alone and expect isolation on the part of the dying person
4. Intervene in the client's activities and promote as near normal functions as possi-ble

Answer 1

ANS: 2
The focus in planning nursing care is to support the client physically, emotionally, developmen-tally, and spiritually in the expression of grief. When caring for the dying client, it is important to devise a plan that helps a client to die with dignity and offers family members the assurance their loved one is cared for with care and compassion. Optimism should not be the primary focus when caring for the dying client. The nurse should promote the client's self-esteem and allow the client to die with dignity. The client does not need to be left alone. The nurse's or family's pres-ence may be comforting to the client by showing that he or she is being cared for and is worthy of attention. The client should be allowed to make choices and perform as many activities of daily living independently as possible. This allows the client to maintain self-esteem and dignity.