A terminally ill patient receiving tube feedings tells the nurse that he "misses" having a cup of coffee. The nurse realizes that the patient is describing which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is terminally ill and receiving tube feedings. When being provided with artificial nutrition and hydration, the patient may miss the basic enjoyment or pleasure that eating and drinking "normally" used to provide. Since the patient is receiving fluid-based nutrition, this statement most likely does not mean that the patient is requesting fluids. The patient may or may not like the flavor of coffee. It is uncertain whether the caffeine in the coffee provided stimulation or if the patient is missing that aspect of having coffee.

A Terminally Ill Patient Receiving Tube Feedings Tells the Nurse