Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is educating a group of nursing students about end-of-life care. Which statement by a student indicates the need for further teaching?

  • A. Terminally ill patients may benefit from around-the-clock analgesics.
  • B. Hospice care can be initiated when curative treatment is no longer effective.
  • C. Hydration and nutrition should always be maintained until the patient dies.
  • D. Emotional support is a key component of end-of-life care.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because maintaining hydration and nutrition until the patient dies is not always appropriate in end-of-life care, as some patients may be unable to tolerate oral intake or may be close to the end of life where artificial nutrition and hydration may not provide benefit and may even cause discomfort.

Explanation:
A: A is correct because terminally ill patients may indeed benefit from continuous pain management to ensure comfort.
B: B is correct because hospice care is typically initiated when curative treatment is no longer effective and focuses on providing comfort and quality of life.
D: D is correct because emotional support is crucial in end-of-life care to address the patient's psychological well-being and provide comfort.

In summary, choice C is incorrect as it does not consider individual patient needs and preferences in end-of-life care.