A Hospice Patient Is Unable to Tolerate Food or Fluids

A hospice patient is unable to tolerate food or fluids and has advance directives that indicate that he does not want IV fluids or tube feedings if he is unable to take oral feedings. His family is concerned that he will be very uncomfortable without food or fluids. The nurse should tell them that:

A) once the patient is unconscious, his health care proxy can order IV fluids or tube feedings to prevent dehydration.
B) dehydration is painful, and medication can be given to overcome any pain.
C) IV fluids or a tube feeding would make the patient much more comfortable, and they should try to talk him into accepting them.
D) IV fluids or tube feeding would likely make the patient more uncomfortable, and dehydration has been shown to decrease pain and discomfort.