Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client who is dying. While assessing the client for signs of impending death, the nurse observes the client for:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a pattern of breathing characterized by rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations from very deep to very shallow breathing with periods of temporary apnea. This pattern is often associated with conditions like cardiac failure and can be a sign of impending death. Elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are not typically associated with the dying process. Decreased temperature is also not a common sign of impending death. Therefore, option B, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, is the correct choice when assessing a client for signs of impending death.