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

Question

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

Answer 1

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