A dying patient tells the nurse that he is disappointed in how his life has gone and is anxious about dying. Which of the following would be beneficial for this patient?
1. Determine if this patient is eligible for hospice care.
2. Ask the physician for an increase in pain medication.
3. Facilitate an earlier discharge to home.
4. Discuss options to transfer this patient to a skilled facility.
Determine if this patient is eligible for hospice care.
Rationale: This patient is demonstrating existential suffering, which includes hopelessness, disappointment, remorse, and death anxiety. Hospice addresses suffering at all levels and realizes that relieving suffering is critical to achieving a "good death.". There is no evidence to suggest this patient would benefit from an increase in pain medication. This patient may or may not be stable enough to return to home. There is no evidence to suggest this patient needs to be admitted to a skilled facility.
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