The spouse of a dying client states that she is concerned that her husband is choking to death. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Do not worry. The choking sound is normal during the dying process."
b. "I will administer more morphine to keep your husband comfortable."
c. "I can ask the respiratory therapist to suc-tion secretions out through his nose."
d. "I will have another nurse assist me to turn your husband on his side."
D
The choking sound or "death rattle" is common in dying clients. The nurse should acknowledge the spouse's concerns and provide interventions that will reduce the choking sounds. Reposi-tioning the client onto one side with a towel under the mouth to collect secretions is the best in-tervention. Morphine will assist with comfort but will not decrease the choking sounds. Nasal tracheal suctioning is not appropriate in a dying client. The nurse should not minimize the spouse's concerns.
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