A nursing assistive personnel (NAP) is caring for a dying patient. Which action by the NAP will cause the nurse to intervene?

A) Elevating head of bed
B) Making the patient eat
C) Giving mouth care every 2 to 4 hours
D) Keeping skin clean, dry, and moisturized

Patients should never be forced to eat so the nurse will intervene to correct this inappropriate behavior. Eating in the last days of life often causes the patient pain and discomfort. Equally, as the body is shutting down the nutrients in food are not able to be absorbed. Therefore, forcing patients to eat serves no beneficial purpose for the patient. All the rest are correct and do not need the nurse to intervene. Elevating the head of the bed is appropriate and will promote ease of breathing and lung expansion and facilitate postural drainage. Giving mouth care will protect membranes if dehydrated, nauseated, or vomiting. Keeping skin clean, dry, and moisturized will decrease skin discomfort and prevent skin breakdown.