The hospice nurse is providing end-of-life care to a client who is experiencing anorexia and cachexia. Which interventions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

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NCLEX® CHANGE AS OF 2017 - Please note that select-all-that-apply (SATA) questions on NCLEX can now include any number of correct responses. Only ONE option or up to ALL options may be correct. UWorld questions now reflect this change. Visit NCSBN® NCLEX FAQs for more information. The goal of end-of-life care is comfort and quality of life. In many cases, clients may be more comfortable when they do not eat or drink. Anorexia is a common complication in clients who are dying and may be exacerbated by many factors (eg, medication, anxiety, underlying disease). The client should be allowed to refuse food and drink (Option A). However, the nurse can implement strategies to stimulate appetite or alleviate symptoms associated with anorexia, including: Assessing the need for analgesia, antiemetic medications (eg, ondansetron), and appetite stimulants (eg, dexamethasone, megestrol acetate, dronabinol) to enhance client comfort and increase intake (Option B) Involving the client in meal planning to encourage autonomy and helping the client select foods that are preferred and well tolerated, regardless of nutritional value, to increase appetite and oral intake (Option C) Providing opportunities for meals with friends/family outside of the client's room, if possible, to promote stimulation and enjoyment (Option D) Providing oral care frequently, especially after eating, and using topical treatments to minimize oral discomfort and dry mouth (Option E) Educational objective: Managing anorexia during end-of-life care includes involving the client in meal planning/food selection; including friends/family at meals; offering preferred foods when the client is hungry; providing frequent oral care; administering antiemetics, analgesics, and appetite stimulants; and allowing the client to refuse food or drink.

The Hospice Nurse Is Providing End-Of-Life Care to a Client