Question 1

The health care provider suspects that a recently deceased client with cancer may have had more than one underlying cause of death and would like an autopsy performed.What must happen for this to occur?

Accepted Answer

An autopsy is the examination of the body after death by a pathologist to determine the cause of death.It is mandated in situations where an unusual death has occurred.For an autopsy to be performed in other circumstances,the family must give consent.

Question 2

When a client provides written instruction of their personal choices related to health care that is recognized under state law,the nurse recognizes that this is considered:

Accepted Answer

Advance directives,a client's written instructions concerning treatments and use of measures to sustain life.Under the provisions of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA),all clients entering hospitals,long-term care facilities,hospice programs,or certain health maintenance organizations,or those receiving home health services,must be given information and the opportunity to complete advance directives if they have not previously done so.

Question 3

A client has a living will stating no life-sustaining measures be performed,but does not have a do-not-resuscitate (DNR)order on the chart.If the nurse finds the client unconscious and unresponsive,which action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

The client may need to provide additional instructions regarding artificial feeding,blood transfusions,chemotherapy,or surgery.Additionally,when desired,clients must ask their physician to write an order precluding resuscitation (do-not-resuscitate or DNR);if there is no such order,resuscitation will be performed.

Question 4

In providing postmortem care to a client who will not be having an autopsy,the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Postmortem care consists of bathing and putting a clean gown on the body,placing an incontinence pad under the hips,removing any tubes or dressings unless an autopsy will be performed,placing the body in alignment with head elevated,and removing dentures.

Question 5

Which stage of dying is represented when a client who is dying says,"Please let me live to see my daughter graduate from college"?

Accepted Answer

According to Kübler-Ross,there are five possible stages of dying experienced by clients and their families.Clients experience these stages in differing degrees and for differing lengths of time;they may not move sequentially through each stage.In the third stage,bargaining,the client seeks to postpone or reverse the situation (e.g. ,to live long enough for a meaningful event to occur,such as a child's wedding).The client usually bargains silently or confides in a spiritual counselor.

Question 6

If an individual's spouse is asked to make health care decisions for the spouse,which of these legal actions is being implemented?

Accepted Answer

Some states have a health care surrogate law that provides a legal means for specific individuals to make decisions for a client when the client is unable to do so;these laws vary from state to state.

Question 7

Which of these physiologic needs would the nurse initially find MOST problematic for the terminally ill client?

Accepted Answer

Initially,most problematic physiologic needs of the client who is terminally ill is respirations.Oxygen is frequently ordered for the client experiencing labored breathing.Suctioning may be needed to remove secretions that the client is unable to swallow.

Question 8

When a dying client has artificial nutrition and hydration withheld,which of the following symptoms decrease? (Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

Dying clients are rarely hungry and gradually stop eating and drinking.Refusal of foods and fluids is a natural part of the dying process.When artificial nutrition and hydration withheld,symptoms of vomiting,nausea,abdominal pain shortness of breath,and loss of bladder control are decreased.

Question 9

After the family has viewed the body of the deceased and the nurse has placed the identification tags,the next step in postmortem care before transporting the body to the morgue or mortuary is to:

Accepted Answer

Following postmortem care and family viewing,the body is placed in a plastic or fabric shroud (a covering for the body after death)before transporting the body to the morgue or mortuary.

Question 10

What is the nurse's FIRST priority when implementing care for a client who is dying?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's first priority when implementing care for a client who is dying is to communicate caring to the client and family.The presence of a comforting nurse can make a tremendous difference to the client.

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a dying client.Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to control the client's pain? (Select all that apply. )

Accepted Answer

Interventions the nurse should implement to control the client's pain are assess pain level frequently and thoroughly,administer pain medications in a timely manner around the clock,evaluate the effectiveness of the pain medications frequently,address break-through pain in a timely manner,and do not delay or deny pain medication.

Question 12

When a nurse is caring for a dying client,which of these nursing interventions would address the client's spiritual needs?

Accepted Answer

The nurse can help address the client's spiritual needs by being available for prayer,contacting the client's spiritual advisor,and communicating empathy,using touch.The nurse should also be sensitive to the needs of family members,allowing them to participate in the client's care as desired and respecting their individual ways of grieving.

Question 13

What kind of care for terminally ill clients is provided when the main goal is allowing the client to die with dignity?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care for clients who are terminally ill is care provided when the main goal is allowing the client to die with dignity surrounded by those who love them.

Question 14

A client who is terminally ill says he or she feels satisfied with the life God has provided and with the life choices made.Which stage of the Kübler-Ross stages of dying has the client successfully completed?

Accepted Answer

The final stage of the Kübler-Ross stages of dying,acceptance,brings a sense of peace and contentment,but this stage may not be reached by every dying client.During this stage,the client attempts to organize personal and financial affairs.The client requires more sleep and may restrict visitation to those who are especially close.

Question 15

Providing care that is symptomatic but will not alter the course of disease is called:

Accepted Answer

Palliative care is care that relieves the symptoms,such as pain,but will not alter the course of disease.The goal is to ensure the highest possible quality of life for the client and family.

Question 16

The appearance of which of these signs indicates the beginning of pulmonary system failure in the dying client?

Accepted Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respirations is breathing characterized by periods of apnea alternating with periods of dyspnea.These signs indicates the beginning of pulmonary system failure.

Question 17

Immediately after a client's death and before the body is moved to the mortuary,which of these actions should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Postmortem care is given immediately after death but before the body is moved to the mortuary.

Quiz 13: Loss, Grief, and Death