A Patient Who Is Terminally Ill Is Experiencing Extreme Pain

question 8

Multiple Choice

A patient who is terminally ill is experiencing extreme pain and suffering. The patient says, "If I were an animal, you would put me out of this misery." Which intervention would the nurse be ethically correct in providing as a last-resort option for this patient?

• A) Tell the patient how much pain medication would be needed to cause death.
• B) Administer pain medication with the intention of causing respiratory arrest.
• C) Administer sedative medications sufficient to cause unconsciousness.
• D) Encourage the patient to stop eating and drinking.

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Definitions:

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a technique used in medical imaging to visualize detailed internal structures of the body.

Surgical Destruction

A medical procedure where tissue is deliberately destroyed to remove harmful entities like tumors.

Brain Tissue

The collection of neurons, glial cells, and other components that make up the physical substance of the brain.

Lesion

Tissue destruction. A brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue.