A Client Nearing the End of Life Requests That He

question 14

Multiple Choice

A client nearing the end of life requests that he be given no food or fluids. The physician orders the insertion of a nasogastric tube to feed the client. What situation does this create for the nurse providing care?

• A) Nurse must follow the physician's orders
• B) An inability to provide care for the patient
• C) An ethical dilemma about inconsistent courses of action
• D) A barrier to establishing an effective nurse-patient relationship

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Definitions:

Elderly Persons

Individuals who are significantly past the usual age of retirement, often considered to be ages 65 and older, with specific social, health, and economic implications.

Respect

A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Primary Aging

Refers to the gradual and inevitable process of bodily deterioration that occurs throughout life.

Secondary Aging

The changes in physical and cognitive function that are due to illness, health habits, and other individual factors, rather than the aging process itself.