A patient receiving treatment for leukemia becomes anxious and short of breath. Sedatives are prescribed to allow for a peaceful death with a Do Not Resuscitate status. What action should the nurse take?

A patient receiving treatment for leukemia becomes anxious and short of breath. Sedatives are prescribed to allow for a peaceful death with a Do Not Resuscitate status. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the sedative as prescribed by the health care provider
• B. Administer no sedation because of the DNR status
• C. Withhold the sedative and notify the physician
• D. Administer only half the prescribed dose

Answer: (A)

In end-of-life care, the goal is comfort, and Do Not Resuscitate is specifically about not performing CPR, not about withholding relief from distress. If a sedative has been prescribed to relieve anxiety and dyspnea, it should be given as ordered to promote a peaceful and comfortable process for the patient. Administering the prescribed sedative aligns with the primary duty of care at this stage: alleviate suffering and support the patient’s comfort. After giving the medication, the nurse should monitor the patient for relief of symptoms and any signs of over-sedation or adverse effects, and document the response and any changes in condition. If symptoms persist or worsen, notify the physician promptly to adjust the plan. Why the other options aren’t appropriate: not giving sedation because of the DNR status neglects comfort measures; withholding the sedative and waiting for a physician’s call delays relief; giving only half the dose disregards the prescribed order and could fail to achieve symptom relief.

In end-of-life care, the goal is comfort, and Do Not Resuscitate is specifically about not performing CPR, not about withholding relief from distress. If a sedative has been prescribed to relieve anxiety and dyspnea, it should be given as ordered to promote a peaceful and comfortable process for the patient. Administering the prescribed sedative aligns with the primary duty of care at this stage: alleviate suffering and support the patient’s comfort.

After giving the medication, the nurse should monitor the patient for relief of symptoms and any signs of over-sedation or adverse effects, and document the response and any changes in condition. If symptoms persist or worsen, notify the physician promptly to adjust the plan.

Why the other options aren’t appropriate: not giving sedation because of the DNR status neglects comfort measures; withholding the sedative and waiting for a physician’s call delays relief; giving only half the dose disregards the prescribed order and could fail to achieve symptom relief.