The family of an older patient dying of liver cancer is concerned that the patient will not eat or drink. The patient is alert and oriented, and expresses no desire to eat. What nursing action would be best?
1. Request an order from the physician for a feeding tube.
2. Obtain a dietary consult for feeding supplements.
3. Encourage the family to bring in home-cooked food.
4. Comply with the patient's wishes despite the family's concern.
4. Comply with the patient's wishes despite the family's concern.
Explanation: 1. The patient's wishes should be respected. The nurse should educate the family and reassure them that anorexia may result in ketosis that can lead to a peaceful state of mind and decreased pain.
2. The patient's wishes should be respected and a request for a dietician consultation does not support those wishes.
3. The patient's wishes should be respected and family should refrain from bringing food into the hospital for the patient.
4. Anorexia and dehydration are common and normal with a patient with a terminal illness. The patient's wishes should be respected.
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