A Hospice Client Is Clearly Dehydrated and the Family Is

A hospice client is clearly dehydrated and the family is arguing over whether or not the client should receive intravenous fluids. The nurse would guide this discussion based on what knowledge about dehydration in the terminally ill client?

A) If the terminally ill client complains of thirst, he/she is dehydrated.
B) Peripheral edema in the terminally ill client indicates fluid overload.
C) The emphasis of all treatments should be on comfort and reduction of symptoms.
D) The only choices for hydration are oral and intravenous.