The family of a terminally ill, dying client verbalizes concern that the client is becoming dehydrated due to poor fluid intake. When the family asks the nurse about administering IV fluids, the nurse's response is based on an understanding of which statement?
A)Providing artificial hydration at the end of life will make the client feel more comfortable
B)The decision whether to provide artificial hydration should consider client preferences and goals
C)The health care provider will prescribe artificial hydration when the client can no longer swallow
D)Withholding artificial hydration at the end of life speeds up the dying process

Question

The family of a terminally ill, dying client verbalizes concern that the client is becoming dehydrated due to poor fluid intake.  When the family asks the nurse about administering IV fluids, the nurse's response is based on an understanding of which statement?
A)Providing artificial hydration at the end of life will make the client feel more comfortable
B)The decision whether to provide artificial hydration should consider client preferences and goals
C)The health care provider will prescribe artificial hydration when the client can no longer swallow
D)Withholding artificial hydration at the end of life speeds up the dying process

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decision about providing artificial nutrition to a dying client is complex. Although certain situations involving terminal illness, such as a terminally ill client who wants to attend an important family function, can justify the decision to provide IV fluids, providing artificial hydration in other situations may not be justified and may even be harmful. Ethical principles dictate that client preferences should be respected and that clients/family members have the right to make decisions about artificial nutrition and hydration at the end of life. (Option A) Artificial hydration does not seem to help dying clients feel more comfortable, and IV fluids could cause distressful symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting and diarrhea, and the need for urinary catheterization. (Option C) The majority of hospice and palliative health care providers do not recommend routine administration of artificial hydration. (Option D) There is no evidence that withholding artificial hydration at the end of life speeds up the dying process. Research indicates that dying clients who do not receive artificial hydration live just as long as those who do receive IV fluids. Educational objective: The majority of hospice and palliative health care providers do not recommend routine administration of artificial hydration; however, client preferences should be respected - clients/family members have the right to make decisions about artificial nutrition and hydration at the end of life.

The Family of a Terminally Ill, Dying Client Verbalizes Concern