Deck 34: End-Of-Life Care

Question 1

When assigning postmortem care to assistive personnel (AP), it is essential that the nurse inform the AP of which piece of information?

A) The tubes or other medical devices to be left in place
B) The disposition of the body after postmortem care is completed
C) The method to contact the family
D) The information to be documented in the medical record

Answer 1

A
Explanation:1. The nurse must inform the AP of any tubes or medical devices to remain in place during postmortem care.
2. Disposition of the body is relatively standard within facilities, and the nurse would not need to inform the AP of this.
3. The nurse would be responsible for notifying the family.
4. The nurse would be responsible for documenting in the medical record.

Question 2

The spouse of a dying client visits periodically but does not stay long at the bedside. Which question should the nurse ask to provide the most support to the spouse?

A) "Are you afraid of death?"
B) "You do realize that the client is dying, don't you?"
C) "How do you think you would like to say good-bye?"
D) "Is there some reason why you don't like to stay at the bedside?"

Answer 2

C
Explanation:1. The spouse should not be asked about a fear of death.
2. The spouse should not be confronted with the client's death.
3. Asking how the spouse would like to say good-bye provides the best support to the spouse and client.
4. The spouse should not be confronted about the client's death.

Question 3

The nurse assigns assistive personnel (AP) to help with the care of a client who just died. For which action by the AP should the nurse intervene?

A) Closes the eyes
B) Removes the dentures
C) Crosses arms over the abdomen
D) Places one pillow under the head

Answer 3

B
Explanation:1. The eyes should be closed after death.
2. Dentures should remain in the mouth.
3. The arms can be crossed over the abdomen.
4. One pillow should be placed under the head.

Question 4

The nurse prepares to document information about a client who died. Which information should be included in the postmortem note?

A) Current medications
B) Admitting diagnosis
C) Last intake and output
D) Disposition of personal items