A Patient with Lung Cancer Who Expected to Die Within

question 12

Multiple Choice

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 is the nurse's best response?

• A)"It is my duty as a nurse to continue to administer life-prolonging treatments until the patient dies."
• B)"The transfusion will help increase the patient's oxygen levels. It will not prolong life but will increase comfort."
• C)"That question is best answered by the physician during rounds."
• D)"The blood will raise the hemoglobin level, which will increase energy level and sense of well-being."

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Definitions:

Cultural Contexts

The societal, economic, historic, and cultural surroundings that influence the interpretation and meaning of messages, events, or objects.

Hippocampus

A structure of the brain in the medial temporal lobe. Damage or removal can result in amnesia.

South Africans

The people hailing from or living in South Africa, a country located at the southern tip of the African continent.

Three-dimensional

Pertaining to or appearing to have height, width, and depth, thereby giving the impression of physical volume or space.