PN Nclex Questions 2024 Related

Review PN Nclex Questions 2024 related questions and content

While assessing a client who is dying for signs of impending death, what should the nurse observe for?

  • A. Elevated blood pressure
  • B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration
  • C. Elevated pulse rate
  • D. Decreased temperature
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client for signs of impending death, the nurse should observe for Cheyne-Stokes respiration. This pattern involves rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations from very deep breathing to very shallow breathing with periods of temporary apnea. It is often associated with cardiac failure and can be a significant indicator of impending death. Elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are not typical signs of impending death; in fact, they may indicate other conditions. A decreased temperature is also not a common sign of impending death, as temperature changes can vary among individuals and may not always correlate with the dying process.