A hospice patient is manifesting a decrease in all body system functions except for a heart rate of 124 and a respiratory rate of 28. The nurse explains to the family that these symptoms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An increase in heart and respiratory rate may occur before the slowing of these functions in the dying patient. Heart and respiratory rate typically slow as the patient progresses further toward death. In a dying patient, high respiratory and pulse rates do not indicate improvement, and it would be inappropriate for the nurse to indicate this to the family. The changes in pulse and respirations are not reflex responses.

A Hospice Patient Is Manifesting a Decrease in All Body