When air hunger is assessed in the dying patient, the nurse can perform which intervention(s)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Circulate the air with a fan
b. Use a tranquilizer to decrease anxiety
c. Provide good oral hygiene
d. Perform careful suctioning
e. Raise the head of the bed 30 degrees
ANS: A, B, C, E
Circulating the air with a fan, administering a tranquilizer to decrease anxiety, providing good oral hygiene, and raising the head of the bed 30 degrees are all interventions that can aid in relieving air hunger in the dying patient. Suctioning will increase mucus production, which will make the dyspnea worse.
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