The hospice nurse is caring for a patient with cancer in her home. The nurse has explained to the patient and the family that the patient is at risk for hypercalcemia and has educated them on that signs and symptoms of this health problem. What else should the nurse teach this patient and family to do to reduce the patient's risk of hypercalcemia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypercalcemia cancer's bone breakdown gift needs hydration (2-4 L/day) to flush calcium through kidneys, unless heart or renal issues say no. Stool softeners and laxatives fight constipation (a symptom), not the cause, and aren't contraindicated. Cutting calcium's pointless tumors, not diet, spike it. Nurses in hospice drill this, balancing fluid push with symptom watch (confusion, thirst), keeping comfort king in late-stage oncology care.