Question

A female client with fibromyalgia asks the nurse to arrange for hospice care to help her manage the severe, chronic pain. Which intervention should the nurse provide to address the client's problem?

Answer 1

The nurse should assess hospice eligibility, educate the client on the benefits of hospice care, and facilitate a referral for hospice services, while ensuring the client's pain management needs are communicated effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address the client's request for hospice care due to severe, chronic pain from fibromyalgia, the nurse should first assess the client's eligibility for hospice services. If the client is eligible, the nurse should provide information about the benefits of hospice care, such as increased patient and family satisfaction, potential for longer survival, reduced burden on family members, and enhanced coping and support systems. Next, the nurse should facilitate the referral process and ensure that the client's preferences and needs for pain management and support are communicated clearly to the hospice team. Collaboration with interdisciplinary hospice care professionals, who specialize in pain management, emotional support, and end-of-life care, will be essential to enhance the client's quality of life.