Question 1

The nurse is caring for an unresponsive, near-death patient in the intensive care unit, and it is unclear whether or not this patient is an organ donor. The family states, "I think he put 'organ donor' on his license but we don't want to donate his organs." What is the nurse's priority action at this time?

Accepted Answer

DMaintaining the viability of organs is crucial in the potential for organ donation, ensuring that if the patient is an organ donor, the organs remain viable for transplantation. Contacting the primary care provider is also important for guidance on how to proceed, especially in verifying the patient's organ donor status and mediating discussions with the family.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has cancer and is terminally ill. What are the most appropriate actions by the nurse in providing end-of-life care that will address the patient's spiritual needs? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Being an empathetic listener helps address the patient's emotional and spiritual needs by providing support and understanding. B) Allowing the patient to participate in spiritual rituals respects and supports their spiritual beliefs and practices, which can be comforting at the end of life. E) Providing time for meditation, if requested, supports the patient's spiritual needs by allowing them space and time for reflection and peace.

Question 3

A nursing student attending a conference on grief says to one of the presenters, "The patient I cared for last week in clinical told me she cried for 4 months after she lost her cat. Isn't that an excessive amount of time to cry over a cat?" What is the most appropriate response by the presenter?

Accepted Answer

Grief is a highly individual experience, and the duration and intensity of grief can vary greatly among individuals. The appropriateness of a grieving period is largely dependent on the personal significance of the loss to the individual, rather than any predetermined timeframe.

Question 4

Which statements describe legal responsibilities after the death of a patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Which warning signs would indicate that a child needs professional help after the death of a loved one? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Extended regression, withdrawal from friends, and inability to sleep are all warning signs that a child may need professional help after the death of a loved one. These signs indicate that the child is struggling to cope with the loss and may need additional support to process their grief.

Question 6

A patient in a cancer clinic says to the nurse, "I'm just so angry. I feel like God is punishing me. I know this is a bad way to think, but I don't deserve to die of cancer." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

C) Acknowledging the patient's feelings and showing a willingness to listen without judgment is a key aspect of providing emotional support and empathy in a healthcare setting.

Question 7

Which statement best describes the difference between a "DNAR" and an "AND" order?

Accepted Answer

AND stands for "Allow Natural Death," which emphasizes the intent to allow death without aggressive resuscitation, making the intent clearer than "Do Not Attempt Resuscitation" (DNAR).

Question 8

The American Nurses Association (ANA) lists recommendations concerning DNARs and ANDs. Which statements indicate the nurse has a correct understanding of the ANA recommendations? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

C) Nurses are encouraged to be involved in policy development regarding DNARs (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) and ANDs (Allow Natural Death) to ensure these policies are ethically sound and patient-centered.D) The ANA emphasizes the importance of respecting the competent patient's wishes above all, especially in cases of conflict or confusion regarding DNAR or AND orders.E) Advocating for the patient's end-of-life preferences aligns with the principle of patient autonomy and is a key responsibility of nurses, even when these preferences differ from those of the family.

Question 9

Which statements indicate the nurse has a good understanding of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's theory? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Kübler-Ross's theory, introduced in her book "On Death and Dying," outlines five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) that patients may experience when facing terminal illness or loss. It emphasizes that these stages are not linear or sequential; patients may not go through all stages, may experience them in any order, or may be in more than one stage at a time. The theory focuses on the psychological responses to death and dying, rather than a prescribed path that must be followed.

Question 10

Which component is contained within the definition of the Uniform Determination of Death Act?

Accepted Answer

The Uniform Determination of Death Act defines death as either the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions, or the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem. Option D, "Irreversible cessation of brain and brainstem function," directly aligns with this definition, emphasizing the comprehensive cessation of brain activity as a criterion for death.

Question 11

Which interventions are appropriate for a client receiving palliative care? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Providing moisturizing eye drops to an unconscious client whose eyes are dry (C) and administering medication to relieve nausea in a client with end-stage leukemia (D) are both interventions that align with the goals of palliative care, as they aim to alleviate discomfort and improve the patient's well-being.

Question 12

A 16-year-old boy recently lost his father in a tragic motorcycle accident. In assessing how well this teenager is managing and coping with the death of his father, the nurse should be most alert for which high-priority behavior?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in health risk behaviors is a high-priority concern because it can lead to immediate and long-term physical and mental health issues. Adolescents may use risky behaviors as a coping mechanism for grief, which can endanger their health and safety.

Question 13

For a patient to be eligible for insurance benefits covering hospice care, a physician must certify which conditions? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A physician must certify that the patient's life expectancy is not more than 6 months (A) and that the condition is not expected to improve (D) for a patient to be eligible for insurance benefits covering hospice care.

Question 14

Nurses frequently encounter death of patients in many healthcare settings. What are some strategies nurses can use to better care for themselves when dealing with death and the dying? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Talking with colleagues, using relaxation techniques, and understanding one's own feelings are healthy strategies for nurses to cope with the emotional challenges of dealing with death and dying.

Question 15

The nurse had been caring for a patient in a hospice facility for 1 month. When the patient dies, the family invites the nurse to attend the calling hours and funeral. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Accepted Answer

Attending the services can be a meaningful gesture for both the nurse and the family, helping to process feelings of loss and providing support to the family during a difficult time. It is considered appropriate for healthcare professionals to attend such services if they wish and are invited, as it can foster closure and healing.

Quiz 17: Loss, Grief, Dying