NCLEX · Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life

A hospice nurse visits a client who is no longer eating or drinking and has mottling of the lower extremities. Which statement should the nurse make to the family?

Correct answer

'These are normal signs that the body is beginning the natural dying process — mottling and reduced interest in food and fluids occur as circulation shifts and organ function slows; this is not painful and is a normal part of natural death'

  1. A 'We need to start IV fluids immediately'
  2. B 'These are normal signs that the body is beginning the natural dying process — mottling and reduced interest in food and fluids occur as circulation shifts and organ function slows; this is not painful and is a normal part of natural death'
  3. C 'We should force fluids to prevent dehydration'
  4. D 'Your family member needs to be hospitalized'

Why this is the answer

End-of-life signs and family education:

Mottling: Purple/bluish-red blotchy discoloration of the skin, beginning at the feet and moving upward; indicates reduced peripheral circulation as the body redirects blood to vital organs; normal sign of approaching death; typically appears hours to days before death; NOT PAINFUL.

Reduced oral intake: The body's natural response; forcing food or fluids at end of life causes discomfort (nausea, edema, respiratory secretions); IV fluids are not recommended in actively dying patients as they can increase secretions and distress.

Family education is critical: Families often equate not providing food/fluid with abandonment or hastening death; educating that this is the body's natural process (not starvation) prevents unnecessary anguish.

Hospice philosophy: Comfort and dignity; not prolonging dying; addressing spiritual and emotional needs of patient and family.

Other end-of-life signs: Cheyne-Stokes breathing (irregular rhythm with periods of apnea); Kussmaul breathing (deep, rapid); jaw relaxation; fixed, glassy eyes; cooling of extremities; 'death rattle' (noisy secretion in throat).

Source: NCLEX-PN Test Plan: Psychosocial — End of Life, Mottling and Family Education

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About this topic: Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life

Grief, loss and end-of-life questions cover stages and types of grief, supporting a dying client and family, comfort care, advance directives and the nurse's own responses to loss. This is one of 13 PN: Psychosocial Integrity questions on grief, loss, and end-of-life, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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