A patient with a terminal illness is receiving continuous tube feedings through a pump. The nurse assesses that the patient is becoming progressively weaker and suspects which of the following is occurring with the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One risk or burden of artificial hydration and nutrition for patients who are at the end of life is that of decreased mobility because of being attached to equipment and machines... The reduction in activity could be causing the patient to become weaker. There is not enough information to determine if the tube feeding is not providing enough calories for the patient. There is no way of knowing if the patient's illness is becoming worse. There is also not enough information to determine if the patient's tube feeding should be stopped and the patient permitted to begin natural anorexia.

A Patient with a Terminal Illness Is Receiving Continuous Tube