An Older Patient Is Not Breathing Well and Has Cold

question 2

Multiple Choice

An older patient is not breathing well and has cold, mottled skin. The patient has a living will and requests comfort measures only. What should the nurse do to care for this patient?

• A) Ask the family what they want to be done for the patient.
• B) Contact the physician for orders to control the patient's breathing.
• C) Provide personal hygiene and skin care as outlined in the care plan.
• D) Withhold pain medication, hygiene, and nutrition until the patient dies.

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Definitions:

Decision Making

The process of selecting a course of action from among multiple alternatives, often involving both judgment and analysis.

Degree of Uncertainty

The extent to which outcomes or consequences are unknown or unpredictable.

Decision Confidence

The level of sureness an individual or group has regarding the choices they make, often impacting the decisiveness of their actions.

Reliable Information

Information that is accurate, verified, and trustworthy, enabling informed decision-making.