While preparing for the discharge of an elderly, terminally ill patient, the family asks for information concerning the most appropriate time to become involved with a hospice agency. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
1. Assist the family in making contact with a hospice agency at this time.
2. Estimate the patient's life expectancy to gauge when contact with hospice should be made.
3. Encourage the family to "hold off" making the contact until death is very close.
4. Determine what expectations the family has of the hospice agency.
1
Rationale 1: Hospice agencies provide vital services to patients who are facing death and to their families. Referrals should be prompt.
Rationale 2: Even though a hospice is generally considered appropriate in the last 6 months of life, it is not appropriate for the nurse to make that determination.
Rationale 3: Waiting until the time of death is at hand does not leave much time for the hospice agency to assist the family.
Rationale 4: Determining the family's expectations is an action more appropriate for the hospice intake nurse.
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