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? 1. Providing artificial hydration at the end of life will make the client feel more comfortable 2. The decision whether to provide artificial hydration should consider client preferences and goals 3. The health care provider will prescribe artificial hydration when the client can no longer swallow 4. Withholding artificial hydration at the end of life speeds up the dying process
The decision whether to provide artifical hydration should consider client preferences and goals.
<em>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.</em>
