A practical nurse is providing care for an older adult client who is actively dying. The client is restless and is speaking to a deceased relative. The client's family is gathered at the bedside and expresses intense anxiety about this behavior. Which of the following actions should the practical nurse take? Select all that apply.
- Reassure the family that experiencing visions of deceased loved ones is a common occurrence during the dying process.Answer
- BExplain to the family that the client is currently progressing through the bargaining stage of grief.
- Continue to speak softly to the client and explain any care tasks before providing physical touch.Answer
- DOffer comfort by telling the family, 'I know exactly how you feel, my grandmother did the same thing.'
- Maintain a calm, quiet environment with soft lighting to help soothe the client's restlessness.Answer
Answer
The practical nurse should reassure the family that end-of-life visions are normal, continue communicating gently with the client before touching them, and provide a calm, softly lit environment.
Appropriate end-of-life care requires supporting both the client and their family. Reassuring the family that visions of deceased loved ones are normal helps alleviate their anxiety. Because hearing is believed to be the last sense lost, the nurse should continue to speak to the client and explain actions before touching them to avoid startling them. Modifying the environment with soft lighting and decreased noise is an effective, non-pharmacological way to manage terminal restlessness.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
End-of-Life Care and Therapeutic Communication