Final answer:
In the care of a terminally ill child, a nurse can expect to see signs such as decreased respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. These are common physical signs as the body's organ function diminishes at the end of life. Therefore, the correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a child with a terminal illness who is approaching death, the nurse can expect to observe signs indicative of the body shutting down. Among the options given, the correct one is C) Decreased respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
As the function of the body's organs begins to decrease, common physical signs include a decreasing ability to breathe deeply or maintain oxygen levels in the blood, which can be observed with a pulse oximeter, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Other signs include decreased muscle strength and coordination, loss of appetite, increasing fatigue, and changes in consciousness, potentially leading to periods of confusion or decreased awareness.
Hospice care is often involved in the management of terminal illness, focusing on providing comfort and quality of life. The five stages of grief proposed by Kübler-Ross can also be relevant as patients and their families come to terms with the illness.