Question 1

The nurse is assessing a terminal patient who is near death for mottling. Which locations will the nurse inspect for this clinical manifestation early in the dying process? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is assessing a terminal patient...

Question 2

The nurse is conducting an admission assessment for a patient diagnosed with terminal cancer. Which question is appropriate when collecting information on the current health history?

Accepted Answer

The question about the list of current medications is directly related to the patient's current health history and is essential for understanding their current treatment and managing their care effectively.

Question 3

The nurse is admitting a patient with terminal brain cancer who is legally blind in both eyes. When planning care for this patient, which is the priority for the nurse to consider?

Accepted Answer

Communication is the priority for a legally blind patient to ensure they understand their care plan and can express their needs effectively.

Question 4

Which assistive devices would be appropriate for the nurse to recommend for a terminal patient who is having difficulties with mobility? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Wheelchairs and walkers are mobility aids that can help a terminal patient move around more easily. A bedside commode can assist those who have difficulty getting to the bathroom, enhancing their mobility and independence.

Question 5

The nurse is assessing a terminal patient who is in the process of dying. Which cardiovascular changes will the nurse monitor for during the physical assessment early in the dying process? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

During the early stages of the dying process, the nurse may observe a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate as the body attempts to compensate, and decreased peripheral pulses due to reduced circulation.

Question 6

The nurse is conducting an assessment for a hospice patient being cared for in the home. The caregiver appears to be experiencing stress. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the caregiver for burnout is the most appropriate action because it directly addresses the caregiver's well-being, which is crucial for both the caregiver and the patient's care. It is within the nurse's scope of practice to assess and provide support for caregiver stress and burnout, unlike prescribing medication which requires a medical provider's authority.

Question 7

The nurse assesses a dying patient and documents terminal restlessness. Which clinical manifestations did the nurse observe? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse assesses a dying patient and...

Question 8

The nurse is collecting biographical data during the physical assessment for a terminal patient. Which question is appropriate for the nurse to ask?

Accepted Answer

Asking about advance directives is appropriate for a terminal patient to ensure their wishes for end-of-life care are known and respected.

Question 9

During a hospice home care visit the caregiver states, "My mom has stopped eating. Should we consider tube feedings?" Based on this conversation with the caregiver, which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in appetite is normal in the dying process.

Question 10

During the admission assessment the patient states, "I am allergic to morphine." Which response by the nurse is the priority?

Accepted Answer

The priority is to understand the nature of the patient's allergic reaction to morphine, as this information is crucial for ensuring patient safety and determining appropriate pain management strategies.

Question 11

The nurse is providing home hospice care to a terminal patient. The caregiver states, "My dad has not had a bowel movement in several days. Can you call the doctor for a stool softener?" Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Constipation is a common side effect when prescribed narcotics.

Question 12

Which will the nurse include when conducting a pain assessment for a terminal patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual responses are all important aspects of pain assessment for a terminal patient.

Question 13

The home hospice nurse is conducting a review of systems during the health history interview. Which assessment question will allow the nurse to plan for the delivery of necessary supplies?

Accepted Answer

Asking if the patient is incontinent allows the nurse to plan for the delivery of necessary supplies such as adult diapers, bed pads, and skin care products to manage incontinence, which is a common issue in hospice care.

Question 14

The nurse is conducting an admission assessment for a terminal patient. The patient's caregiver is assisting with the health history. Which question asked during the family history should the nurse direct at the caregiver?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is conducting an admission assessment...

Question 15

When conducting a review of systems as part of the health history interview, the nurse notes that the patient is immobile. Which question is the priority when planning hospital care to reduce the risk of impaired skin integrity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When conducting a review of systems as...

Question 16

The nurse is providing care to a terminal patient who is experiencing pain. The patient is unable to take oral medication. Which routes does the nurse prepare to administer pain medications to this patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is providing care to a...

Question 17

The caregiver asks the nurse, "What behaviors should I expect during the dying process?" Which responses by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

During the dying process, patients may experience hallucinations or visions, such as talking to deceased family members (B), confusion due to decreased oxygen to the brain (C), and physiological changes like fluctuations in pulse and blood pressure (E). Increased levels of consciousness and appetite are not typical during this stage.

Quiz 27: Assessing the Dying Patient