Question 1

The family of a client receiving palliative care for a terminal illness hesitate to call for the nurse since all staff seem to be too busy to address the client's needs. Which action should the nurse take to improve the connection with the family?

Accepted Answer

The best action the nurse can take to improve the connection with the family is to enter the room and stand or sit at the bedside to talk with the client and family. This can show that the nurse is present and available to address their needs, and can also build rapport and trust with the family. The other choices may also be helpful, but do not directly address the need for improved connection with the family.

Question 2

An interprofessional team meeting is scheduled to discuss the care needs for a client with a terminal illness. What should the nurse expect when participating in this meeting? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

In an interprofessional team meeting for a client with a terminal illness, the client's goals direct care, the focus is on problem-solving, and the client's family can be in attendance. Control is not centralized, and decisions are made collectively by the team rather than solely by the team leader. Therefore, options A and E are incorrect.

Question 3

A client assigned to a student nurse for care dies shortly after the student completes morning care. What should the nurse do to support the student at this time?

Accepted Answer

The best choice is to talk with the student about the experience and answer any questions they may have. This provides emotional support and helps to process the situation. It is also important to offer the student the option to leave the clinical area or take a break if needed, but ultimately it should be up to the student's preference. Encouraging the student to participate in postmortem care should only be done if the student feels comfortable and is fully informed about what it entails. Assigning the student to another client for the remainder of the clinical day may not be necessary if the student is able to cope with the situation and would like to continue.

Question 4

The hospice nurse learns that the spouse of a client with end-stage Alzheimer's disease has been the primary caregiver without assistance for the past 3 years. What are the risks to this spouse? Select all thatapply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The hospice nurse learns that the spouse...

Question 5

The family of a client nearing end-of-life asks if they can leave to get dinner. Which client observation causes the nurse to suggest that the family wait a while longer before leaving the client?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The family of a client nearing end-of-life...

Question 6

The staff development trainer is preparing an educational program for nurses who provide palliative care. Which suggestion should the trainer make to encourage a trusting relationship between the nurse and family? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

All of these choices encourage the nurse to approach the family with empathy, respect, and an open mind. Maintaining a nonjudgmental approach and listening to the family's experiences can help build trust by demonstrating that the nurse values their perspective. Acknowledging their strengths can also help to empower the family and promote positive coping strategies. Demonstrating compassion and understanding can foster a sense of connection and support. However, encouraging the family to take a break and permit the nurse to provide care may not necessarily promote trust, as it could be interpreted as suggesting that the family is incapable of providing care.

Question 7

The nurse suspects that a client receiving palliative care is nearing end-of-life. What did the nurse assess to make this clinical determination? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

These signs are common indicators of nearing end-of-life: increased sleep, refusal to eat, difficulty swallowing, and talking to deceased loved ones.

Question 8

The spouse of a client nearing death is concerned because the client's breathing is "so noisy." How should the nurse refer to the client's respiratory status when talking with the spouse?

Accepted Answer

Using the term "congestion" is a more gentle way of referring to the client's noisy breathing without causing undue alarm or anxiety in the spouse. The other options (pneumonia, fluid in the lungs, death rattle) may be accurate descriptors but have a more negative connotation and could cause unnecessary distress for the spouse.

Question 9

The nurse providing palliative care to a client with a terminal illness is experiencing moral distress. Which situation most likely caused the nurse to experience this emotional response? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse providing palliative care to a...

Question 10

The nurse helps the family decide whether a 13-year-old sibling should be present during the death of a younger brother. Which aspect should the nurse keep in mind when the family is making this decision?

Accepted Answer

The developmental age of the sibling (C) is important to understand their ability to cope with the situation. The quality of the relationship between the children (D) can influence the sibling's desire and emotional readiness to be present. Cultural practices (E) can dictate family norms and expectations regarding death and dying.

Question 11

The family of a client with a terminal illness hesitates to agree to palliative care because of not wanting to give up on a possible cure. How should the nurse respond while also including a principle of palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care and curative treatments can be provided simultaneously. It is important for the nurse to clarify this with the family and explain that palliative care can provide additional support to the client while they continue to receive treatment intended to cure the disease. The nurse should also address the family's concerns about giving up on a possible cure and provide information about the benefits of palliative care, which includes improving quality of life and reducing suffering.

Quiz 10: Families in Palliative and End-of-Life Care