When the dying patient becomes delirious, what should the nurse encourage the family to do?
a. Leave the room and wait outside until the delirium clears.
b. Hold the patient's hand, but say nothing, because hearing stays intact until death.
c. Remain near the bed and speak to the patient in loud tones to stimulate the patient.
d. Touch the patient, call the patient by name, and speak in reassuring tones.
ANS: D
Touching, calling by name, and speaking in a calm and reassuring manner frequently cause the symptoms of delirium to abate and are beneficial to the delirious patient.
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