To provide comfort for the client, while preparing to assist the client in the end stage of her life in response to anticipated symptom development, the nurse plans to:
1. Decrease the client's fluid intake
2. Limit the use of over-the-counter analgesics
3. Provide larger meals with more appealing seasoning
4. Determine valued activities and schedule rest periods
ANS: 4
To promote comfort in the terminally ill client, the nurse should help the client to identify values or desired tasks; then help the client to conserve energy for those tasks. Decreasing the client's fluid intake may make the terminally ill client more prone to dehydration and constipation. The nurse should take measures to help maintain oral intake, such as administering antiemetics, ap-plying topical analgesics to oral lesions, and offering ice chips. 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 and 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.
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