A patient diagnosed with cancer is unable to eat because of painful mouth sores. The nurse realizes that which of the following might be helpful for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For some patients, artificial hydration and nutrition have the benefit of prolonging life and preventing wasting, emaciation, or cachexia, as well as weight loss in stable patients. The patient is diagnosed with cancer; however, it is not certain at this time if his condition is terminal. Therefore, artificial hydration and nutrition would be indicated for this patient. Beginning natural anorexia or terminal dehydration might be premature. Keeping the patient on nothing-by-mouth status until the sores heal would be a form of terminal dehydration or natural anorexia and should not be done.

A Patient Diagnosed with Cancer Is Unable to Eat Because