While Preparing for the Discharge of an Elderly, Terminally Ill

question 10

Multiple Choice

While preparing for the discharge of an elderly, terminally ill patient, the family asks for information concerning the most appropriate time to become involved with a hospice agency. Which action by the nurse is most correct?

• A)Assist the family with making contact with a hospice agency at this time.
• B)Determine the patient's expected life expectancy to gauge when the contact should be made.
• C)Encourage the family to "hold off" making the contact until death is very close.
• D)Determine what expectations the family has of the hospice agency.

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Definitions:

Limbic System

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood. It controls the basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring).

Hippocampus

A region of the brain associated with memory formation, organization, and storage, as well as playing a role in navigation and spatial orientation.

Diabetes

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from either an inability of the body to produce insulin (Type 1) or an inability to effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2).

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a slowing down of bodily functions.