Around-the-clock tube feedings have been discontinued for a terminally ill patient. The family is concerned that death will occur faster without nutrition. Which of the following might be appropriate ways for the nurse to respond to the family?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At times, implementing artificial nutrition and hydration can be seen as harmful to the patient and could cause greater harm than death itself. The best response would be to explain how the feedings were hurting the patient more than helping and that they have been stopped for now. The nurse should not say that the patient is fading fast and that nutrition prolongs the agony. Tube feedings would not be stopped if a patient stated a lack of feeling hungry. The patient is terminal and was receiving tube feedings. It is highly unlikely that the patient is going to be started on a regular diet.

Around-The-Clock Tube Feedings Have Been Discontinued for a Terminally Ill