A patient with lung cancer who expected to die within a few days is being given a blood transfusion
Family members, who realize death is imminent, ask, "Why are you giving a blood transfusion when we all know death is just around the corner?" What should the nurse respond to the family?
a. "That question is best answered by the physician during rounds."
b. "It is my duty as a nurse to continue to administer life-prolonging treatments until the patient dies."
c. "The blood will raise the hemoglobin level, which will increase energy level and sense of well-being."
d. "The transfusion will help increase the patient's oxygen levels. It will not prolong life but will increase comfort."
ANS: D
Blood transfusions may be given to improve oxygenation and reduce dyspnea and are not intended to prolong life but to promote comfort. A. It is not necessary for the family to wait for an answer from the physician. Teaching is a nursing role. B. It is not the nurse's duty to provide life-prolonging treatments until the patient dies. Nurses often administer comfort care at the end of life. C. Comfort is the goal at the end of life, not increased energy.
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