A dying patient is having a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. Which of the following interventions would help make this patient more comfortable?
1. Allow the build-up of carbon dioxide to continue.
2. Provide oxygen.
3. Raise the head of the bed.
4. Place the patient in a side-lying position.
Allow the build-up of carbon dioxide to continue.
Rationale:
Allowing hypoxia is the fastest path to unconsciousness with the least amount of agitation. Withdrawal of some treatments may actually assist the patient to be more comfortable. The patient should not be provided with oxygen nor should the head of the bed be elevated. Placing the patient in a side-lying position may or may not help with the patient's comfort.
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