An 84-year-old female client with a brain tumor is admitted to the healthcare facility following an epileptic attack. Which nursing consideration should the nurse follow when providing end-of-life care for the client?

Question

A) Avoid placing the client in a low Fowler's or orthopneic position.
B) Ensure that the client's head is not elevated when placing her on her back.
C) Encourage clients lying on their backs to assume other positions.
D) Avoid disturbing the client with frequent change in position.

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
Clients often prefer to lie on their back. However, they must be encouraged to assume various other positions, because lying on the back may cause secretions to pool in the back of the client's throat, leading to choking or aspiration into the lungs. The partial sitting position (low Fowler's) or sitting upright (orthopneic position) are often preferred positions for dying clients because they can minimize breathing complications. Usually, it is helpful and much safer if the client's head is elevated when lying on back, because this helps prevent the obstruction of the client's throat with secretions in the mouth. Frequent position change, along with gentle suction, may be beneficial in relieving the "death rattle" sound caused because of the collection of mucus and secretions in the client's throat.