Question 1

When a patient feels death is near, he/she&#10;A) may make many unreasonable requests.&#10;B) may be afraid to be alone.&#10;C) may ask many questions.&#10;D) any of the above

Accepted Answer

When a patient feels death is near, they may experience a range of emotions and behaviors. They may make unreasonable requests, be afraid to be alone, and ask many questions as they try to come to terms with their impending death. Therefore, any of the above options could be a valid choice.

Question 2

The patient is declared dead&#10;A) if the patient stops breathing for more than 2 minutes.&#10;B) if the patient has no pulse.&#10;C) if the nurse calls a code.&#10;D) by the physician only when all efforts fail to keep the patient alive.

Accepted Answer

A patient is considered dead only when a physician has determined that all efforts to keep the patient alive have failed, and they are showing no signs of life. Simply stopping breathing or having no pulse does not necessarily mean the patient is dead. Additionally, a nurse calling a code is a response to a medical emergency and does not necessarily mean the patient is dead.

Question 3

When caring for a terminally ill patient, you should&#10;A) provide a special diet high in fiber.&#10;B) continue to provide a high standard of care.&#10;C) use a hushed voice or not speak to the patient.&#10;D) keep the lights dim all of the time.

Accepted Answer

It is important to continue to provide a high standard of care to a terminally ill patient to ensure that they are comfortable and have access to necessary medical treatment and support. Providing a special diet high in fiber, using a hushed voice, or keeping the lights dim may not necessarily be appropriate or effective measures for all patients. Individualized care and communication based on the patient's needs and preferences is key.

Question 4

You notice that a dying patient has a very large amount of secretions in his/her mouth. You should&#10;A) tell your immediate supervisor.&#10;B) offer a mouthwash to the patient.&#10;C) apply glycerine.&#10;D) offer water to the patient.

Accepted Answer

The best choice is to tell your immediate supervisor. The patient may be experiencing respiratory distress and the presence of an excessive amount of secretions in the mouth can be a sign of impending death. The supervisor can then take appropriate action to manage the patient's symptoms, including providing necessary medications and suctioning to reduce the risk of aspiration. offering water to the patient or applying glycerine may not be effective in managing the patient's symptoms, and offering mouthwash could be inappropriate if the patient is unable to swallow or may further irritate the patient's airway.

Question 5

Which type of care does NOT cure the patient, but focuses on relief of the pain, stress, and other debilitating symptoms of serious illness?&#10;A) in vitro care&#10;B) palliative care&#10;C) postmortem care&#10;D) premortem care

Accepted Answer

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by providing relief from symptoms such as pain, stress, and nausea. It does not aim to cure the patient's illness, but rather to alleviate their suffering. In vitro care refers to medical care that takes place outside the body, such as in a laboratory setting. Postmortem care refers to care given to a body after death, such as preparation for burial or cremation. Premortem care refers to medical care given to a patient before their death.

Question 6

Hospice care&#10;A) works to cure the patient.&#10;B) is based on a family-oriented approach.&#10;C) occurs primarily in the hospital.&#10;D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, rather than curing them. It is based on a family-oriented approach, with the goal of addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. While hospice care can be provided in a hospital, it can also occur in the patient's home, a hospice facility, or a nursing home. Therefore, the answer choices A and C are incorrect.

Question 7

Hospice care occurs primarily in the hospital.

Accepted Answer

Hospice care can occur in various settings, including hospice facilities, nursing homes, and even patients' homes. It is not primarily limited to hospitals.

Question 8

The terminally ill patient requires a special diet.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The terminally ill patient requires a special...

Question 9

A dying patient may sweat even though they feel cold.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Sweating is a common symptom in dying patients as their body struggles to regulate temperature due to physiological changes.

Question 10

A dying patient may talk to persons who have died.

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon for a dying patient to experience hallucinations or visions, including talking to deceased loved ones. This can be part of the natural dying process and can bring comfort to the patient.

Question 11

If you observe any signs of approaching death, tell the family first.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If you observe any signs of approaching...

Question 12

As a nursing assistant, do NOT feel guilty because you cannot improve the condition of a terminally ill patient. You can help the patient and family by maintaining a concerned and caring approach.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As a nursing assistant, do NOT feel...

Deck 33: The Terminally Ill Patient and Postmortem Care