Question

A nurse assists a student nurse in formulating a care plan for a nonverbal hospice client who demonstrates restlessness and facial grimacing during repositioning. Which statements by the student nurse indicate a correct understanding of the goals of end-of-life care?

a) "Maintaining comfort is a priority."
b) "We should prioritize aggressive treatments."
c) "Communication is less important in end-of-life care."
d) "Observing nonverbal cues is essential."

Answer 1

The correct understanding of the goals of end-of-life care includes prioritizing maintaining comfort and observing nonverbal cues for nonverbal hospice clients, rather than aggressive treatments or devaluing communication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal of end-of-life care is to ensure that a patient passes in comfort and peace. The hospice setting prioritizes comfort, symptom management, and dignity over aggressive treatments. The correct statements made by the student nurse that indicate a proper understanding of the goals of end-of-life care are: a) "Maintaining comfort is a priority," and d) "Observing nonverbal cues is essential." This is because aggressive treatments are generally not a priority in hospice care and communication through nonverbal cues is key when caring for nonverbal patients. This reflects a patient-centered approach that focuses on managing pain and discomfort, as well as emotional support for both the patient and their family, honoring their wishes for a dignified death.