The Physician of a Terminally Ill Patient Suggests That the Time-Limited

question 15

Multiple Choice

The physician of a terminally ill patient suggests that the time-limited trial of artificial hydration and nutrition be stopped since the patient's status has not improved. Which of the following does this suggest to the nurse?

• A) The artificial hydration and nutrition is a treatment that has not worked and should be discontinued
• B) The physician is killing the patient
• C) The physician is going to starve the patient to death
• D) The physician wants the patient to die and removing food and fluids will do it quicker

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Definitions:

Electron Acceptor

An electron acceptor is a chemical entity that accepts electrons transferred to it from another compound. It is crucial in redox reactions and processes such as respiration.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a coenzyme found in all living cells that is involved in redox reactions, carrying electrons from one reaction to another.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate

An important sugar molecule involved in glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy.

Phosphate Groups

Chemical groups containing one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, important for energy transfer and storage in cells.