Question 1

Palliation may include: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Palliation includes relieving symptoms that may have a negative effect on the family or the patient.

Question 2

Which interventions can the nurse use to facilitate communication with patients and families who are in the process of making decisions regarding end-of- life care options? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Effective and consistent communication between the patient,family,and healthcare team members is required to promote positive outcomes during end-of-life care.
Family members should be provided ample time to express feelings in order to improve the level of satisfaction and prevent dysfunctional bereavement patterns.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about comfort care is accurate?

Accepted Answer

The goal of comfort care is to provide treatments that do not cause pain or other discomfort to the patient.

Question 4

Select interventions that may be included during "terminal weaning" include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

"Terminal weaning" may include titration of ventilator support to minimal levels,removal of the ventilator with maintenance of the artificial airway,and complete extubation.Pain and anxiolytic medications may be required to control dyspnea and anxiety that may accompany ventilator withdrawal.Blood gas determinations would be used in therapeutic ventilator management.

Question 5

When providing palliative care,the nurse must keep in mind that the family may include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The definition of family varies and may include unmarried life partners of the same or opposite sex,close friends,and other close individuals who have no legal relationship with the patient.

Question 6

Which therapeutic interventions may be withdrawn or withheld from the terminally ill client? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Any treatment that is life sustaining may be withheld from a terminally ill patient during the end of life.These treatments include nutrition,dialysis,fluids,antibiotics,respiratory support,therapeutic medications,and blood products.Any dose of analgesic or anxiolytic medication may be used to prevent suffering and should not be withdrawn.
Dignity should be maintained during the course of dying.This would include ongoing provision of basic nursing care and comfort.

Quiz 4: End-Of-Life Care in the Critical Care Unit