Question 1

Which is considered the hallmark of hospice palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Excellent symptom management is considered the hallmark of hospice palliative care, focusing on relieving pain and other distressing symptoms.

Question 2

A bystander was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who has schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

Accepted Answer

Option D is the most therapeutic response as it acknowledges the patient's pain and validates her feelings in a supportive manner. It shows the nurse's empathy towards the patient rather than judgment. Other options are not appropriate, as option A assumes that the patient is hearing voices and seems to be intrusive. Option B dismisses the patient's feelings by suggesting that the duration of the grieving process is inappropriate. Option C seems to be blaming the patient's mental illness for having a harder time accepting the loss.

Question 3

A nurse asks a hospice palliative care nurse, "Who should be referred for hospice palliative care?" Select the correct reply.

Accepted Answer

Hospice palliative care is appropriate for patients with any life-threatening illness, not just cancer, and is not limited to specific diseases.

Question 4

A nurse cared for a terminally ill patient for over a month and looked forward to spending time with this patient. After the patient died, the nurse began to sleep poorly, lacked energy, and felt depressed. Eventually the nurse explained these feelings to a mentor. How should the mentor counsel the nurse?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is likely experiencing disenfranchised grief, which occurs when a person's grief is not openly acknowledged or socially supported. The mentor should counsel the nurse about this type of grief to help them understand and process their feelings.

Question 5

Children of a widow confer with the nurse because their mother is depressed and lonely. Her days are filled with aimless activities. Family members are concerned about her and ask, "What can we do? It`s been over 6 months since Dad died." What should the nurse counsel the family?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Children of a widow confer with the...

Question 6

A woman was awakened one morning by a police officer after her husband died while jogging. For the next 3 days, the widow stoically went through the funeral ritual in a state of numbness. Friends tried to get her to vent her feelings by crying. Which statements offer likely explanations regarding the widow's inability to cry?

Accepted Answer

The widow's inability to cry can be explained by the shock and disbelief typical of the acute stage of grief, cultural influences on emotional expression, and the normal use of denial to protect against the pain of loss.

Question 7

Which statements demonstrate aspects of spirituality in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which statements demonstrate aspects of spirituality in...

Question 8

A father and son have a long history of hostility and conflict. As the father dies, he finally expresses his love, but the son is unable to respond verbally. Which gift of resolving relationships is most important to address with the son?

Accepted Answer

The gift of forgiveness is the most important one to address in this scenario. The long history of hostility and conflict suggests that there are likely unresolved resentments and grievances between the father and son. The father's expression of love may be a step towards reconciliation, but it is unlikely that it will be fully received and appreciated without the son first addressing any feelings of anger or hurt. Forgiveness allows for the release of those negative emotions and can open the door to healing and a more positive relationship moving forward.

Question 9

A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behaviours show the child's parents are mourning in an effective way?

Accepted Answer

These behaviors indicate that the parents are processing their grief in a healthy manner by honoring their child's memory (B), taking proactive steps to prevent similar incidents (D), and ensuring the safety and well-being of their other children (E).

Question 10

Which patients meet criteria for hospice services?

Accepted Answer

Patients who meet hospice criteria typically have a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course. A 92-year-old with late-stage Alzheimer's and a 54-year-old with glioblastoma and a short life expectancy both meet these criteria.

Question 11

A hospice patient tells the nurse, "Life has been good. I am proud of being self-educated. I overcame adversity and always gave my best. I intend to die as I lived: optimistic." The nurse planning care for this patient would recognize the importance of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The patient expresses a strong sense of self-reliance and optimism. Supporting the patient's use of their own resources aligns with their values and approach to life.

Question 12

A woman grieving her husband's sudden death tells the nurse, "Yesterday, I saw my husband walk through the door and smile at me, but then he just faded away." Select the nurse's most appropriate action.

Accepted Answer

Visualizations or hallucinations of a deceased loved one can be a normal part of the grieving process, especially shortly after the loss. The nurse should provide reassurance and support rather than immediately assuming a psychiatric disorder or substance abuse issue.

Question 13

The spouse of a patient being cared for at home by hospice angrily tells the nurse, "Care provided by the aide is inadequate, so I must do everything myself. Why is this happening? Can't someone help?" The hospice nurse should do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The spouse of a patient being cared...

Quiz 31: Care for the Dying and for Those Who Grieve