NCLEX RN Client Needs Physiological Adaptation Related

Review NCLEX RN Client Needs Physiological Adaptation related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client with a terminal condition who is dying. Which respiratory assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that death is imminent? Select all that apply.

  • A. Dyspnea
  • B. Cyanosis
  • C. Tachypnea
  • D. Kussmaul's respiration
  • E. Irregular respiratory pattern
  • F. Adventitious bubbling lung sounds
Correct Answer: A,B,E,F

Rationale: Respiratory assessment findings that indicate death is imminent include poor gas exchange as evidenced by hypoxia, dyspnea, or cyanosis; altered patterns of respiration, such as slow, labored, irregular, or Cheyne-Stokes pattern (alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing); increased respiratory secretions and adventitious bubbling lung sounds (death rattle); and irritation of the tracheobronchial airway as evidenced by hiccups, chest pain, fatigue, or exhaustion. Kussmaul's respirations are abnormally deep, very rapid sighing respirations characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis. Tachypnea is defined as rapid breathing.