Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and a family member asks why the clients mouth is continually open. which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• \the reduced muscle tone has relaxed the jaw muscles.\
• \that happens when a person gets close to death.\
• \i can apply a chin strap to help hold the mouth closed.\
• \you shouldnt worry about that at this time.\

Explanation:

In end - of - life care, as a client with a terminal illness approaches death, there is a decrease in muscle tone. This reduced muscle tone leads to the relaxation of jaw muscles, which causes the mouth to remain open. The response “That happens when a person gets close to death” is too vague and not a therapeutic response. Suggesting a chin strap without first providing an explanation is not appropriate, and telling the family member not to worry dismisses their concern. So the correct response is the one that explains the physiological reason, which is “The reduced muscle tone has relaxed the jaw muscles.”

Answer:

A. "The reduced muscle tone has relaxed the jaw muscles."