The nurse is caring for a patient who is terminally ill with metastatic bone cancer. The patient tells the nurse that he is not afraid of death but does not want to be in pain and suffer before he dies. Which intervention will be most appropriate to meet this patient's wishes?
A) Establish around-the-clock dosing for pain medications with additional doses for breakthrough pain.
B) Assist the patient to reminisce and review his life, spending as much time as possible with loved ones.
C) Use therapeutic touch, guided imagery, and soft music to put the patient at ease and relieve anxiety.
D) Encourage the patient to participate in prayer and meditation along with preferred religious practices.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's primary wish is to die without pain, and the best intervention to meet this goal is administration of pain medication around the clock with extra doses for breakthrough pain. The other interventions may make the patient more comfortable but will not address his primary desire for adequate pain management.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Terminally