End of Life Care NCLEX Questions Related

Review End of Life Care NCLEX Questions related questions and content

The spouse of a client dying from lung cancer states, 'I don't understand this death rattle. She has not had anything to drink in days. Where is the fluid coming from?' Which is the hospice care nurse's best response?

  • A. The body produces about two (2) teaspoons of fluid every minute on its own.
  • B. Are you sure someone is not putting ice chips in her mouth?
  • C. There is no reason for this, but it does happen from time to time.
  • D. I can administer a patch to her skin to dry up the secretions if you wish.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The death rattle results from accumulated secretions in the throat, a normal end-of-life phenomenon, not fluid intake. Teaspoon estimates, ice chips, or patches are inaccurate or premature.