A nurse is caring for a dying client. The client's spouse states, "I think he is choking to death." How should the nurse respond?
a. "Do not worry. The choking sound is normal during the dying process."
b. "I will administer more morphine to keep your husband comfortable."
c. "I can ask the respiratory therapist to suction secretions out through his nose."
d. "I will have another nurse assist me to turn your husband on his side."
ANS: D
The choking sound or "death rattle" is common in dying clients. The nurse should acknowledge the spouse's concerns and provide interventions that will reduce the choking sounds. Repositioning the client onto one side with a towel under the mouth to collect secretions is the best intervention. The nurse should not minimize the spouse's concerns. Morphine will assist with comfort but will not decrease the choking sounds. Nasotracheal suctioning is not appropriate in a dying client.
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