The nurse is providing hospice care for a patient in the terminal phase of lung cancer. Which of the following nursing actions would be appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
a. Encourage the patient to bathe daily.
b. Position the patient upright in a recliner with pillows.
c. Provide low-dose morphine.
d. Teach family members how to perform deep tracheal suctioning.
e. Place a fan at the patient's bedside.
f. Administer diuretic therapy as ordered.
ANS: B, C, E, F
Activities should be planned to conserve energy; daily bathing is not required. An upright position will help alleviate dyspnea. Low-dose morphine reduces pulmonary edema and anxiety. Deep tracheal suctioning would be invasive and painful and often irritates tissue rather than aiding with breathing. A fan or breeze reduces the feeling of dyspnea. Diuretic therapy may increase comfort and treat dyspnea.
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