Question 1

You are a nurse in the hospital setting caring for an older patient, Sylvia, with brain cancer. Sylvia's cancer has metastasized throughout her body, and her oncologist recently informed her and her family that her condition is terminal. You notice, though, that in their interactions and communication, Sylvia and her family do not openly acknowledge or discuss the diagnosis, but rather talk about the weather or the lives of other family members. Which of Glaser and Strauss' awareness contexts is this family currently in?

Accepted Answer

In a mutual pretense context, all parties are aware of the terminal condition but choose not to discuss it openly, instead focusing on other topics.

Question 2

As a nurse working in a local hospital, you have been caring for an older patient, Marvin, who has end-stage emphysema. Marvin's pulmonologist has indicated that he likely has only 6 months to live. Marvin is stunned by the news at first, but later says that he's not sure he trusts the doctor's prognosis and says he will get a second opinion. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief is Marvin most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Marvin's reaction of not trusting the doctor's prognosis and seeking a second opinion indicates he is in the denial stage of grief, where he is having difficulty accepting the reality of his situation.

Question 3

Helen, an older woman, has recently learned that she has AIDS and is reeling from the news. She knows very little about the disease and is struggling to come to grips with the reality that she has it and with how it will affect her life. Which of Doka's phases is Helen most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Helen is in the acute phase, which is characterized by the initial reaction to the diagnosis, including shock, disbelief, and attempts to understand the disease and its implications.

Question 4

As a hospice nurse, you are caring for an older woman named Lois in her home. Lois is dying of pancreatic cancer. Which of the following would be examples of palliative care in this situation? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life. Back massages, pain medication, and warm foot baths are all aimed at comfort and symptom management.

Question 5

As a hospice nurse, you are caring for an older adult, Henry, in a hospice center. Which of the following would be appropriate therapeutic approaches for you to use with Henry? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

These approaches are appropriate for hospice nurses to use with dying patients and their families because they provide support, comfort, and understanding during a difficult time.

Question 6

In the context of hospice care, you are caring for a woman, Cassandra, who recently lost her mother, who was 102 years old. Cassandra tells you that most of her family seemed relieved by the death and are acting as if it is a blessing because her mother was so old. She, however, still grieves deeply and wonders whether she has a right to do so. Which of the following types of grief is Cassandra experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Cassandra is experiencing disenfranchised grief, which occurs when a person's grief is not acknowledged or supported by societal norms, often because the loss is not seen as significant or legitimate.

Question 7

You are a gerontologist caring for a resident of a long-term care facility, Victor. Victor has expressed a desire to designate his son as the person to make health care decisions on his behalf should he be unable to make them. Which of the following does Victor need legal help establishing?

Accepted Answer

Victor needs legal help establishing a medical power of attorney, which is a legal document that allows him to designate someone to make health care decisions on his behalf if he is unable to do so.

Question 8

As a hospice nurse, you are caring for an older man who has just lost his wife of 50 years. Which of the following approaches should you take with this person?

Accepted Answer

Assisting the individual in understanding that the grieving process is a normal response to loss is supportive and helps the person process their emotions in a healthy way.

Question 9

Describe some of the common options for body interment and funerals following death and explain the importance of these in the grieving process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe some of the common options for...

Question 10

You are assisting your grandfather with creating an ethical will. Explain what an ethical will is and list several suggestions you might make on what to include in it.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are assisting your grandfather with creating...

Quiz 23: Death and Grief in the Later Years