Ch 13: Palliative & End of Life Care

A dying patient states to the nurse, "I know I'm dying, aren't I?" Which is the best response by the nurse as? A) "This must be very difficult for you." B) "Tell me more about what's on your mind." C) "I'm so sorry. I know how you must feel." D) "You know you're dying?"

A) "This must be very difficult for you."

A patient near the end of life experiencing anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Which characteristics of the syndrome does the nurse recognize? (SATA) A) Alterations in carbohydrate, fat, & protein metabolism B) Endocrine dysfunction C) Anemia D) Neurologic dysfunction E) Bladder incontinence

A) Alterations in carbohydrate, fat, & protein metabolism B) Endocrine dysfunction C) Anemia

A patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness and has been given less than 6 months to live. Which types of referral will the nurse make to assist this patient and family at home? A) A rehabilitation center B) Hospice C) Adult day care D) Physical therapy

B) Hospice

A terminally ill patient is admitted to the hospital. The patient grabs the nurse's hand and asks "Am I dying?" Which response is best for the nurse to give? A) "Why do you think that?" B) "Did someone tell you that you are dying?" C) "Tell me more about what's on your mind." D) "I am not at liberty to disclose that information"

C) "Tell me more about what's on your mind."

A patient diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer is unaware of the diagnosis and the family had requested that that patient not be told. Which is the best response to the family by the nurse? A) "It is unfair for the patient to be unaware of the diagnosis and should be immediately told." B) "I refuse to lie to a patient that I am taking care of and will answer honestly if asked." C) "Would it be easier to inform the patient if a member of the clergy went with you?" D) "I don't blame you for not saying anything. Let them enjoy the rest of their life."

C) "Would it be easier to inform the patient if a member of the clergy went with you?"

A patient with terminal cancer is admitted into hospice care. When performing the admission, the nurse observes the patient exhibiting signs of depression. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate? A) Inform the patient that although they are depressed, it takes too long for antidepressants to start working. B) Refer the patient to an inpatient psychiatric unit for treatment of depression C) Notify the health care provider of the need to prescribe an antidepressant to address the patient's depression D) Notify family members to maintain a one-on-one vigilant observation of the patient to provide suicide

C) Notify the health care provider of the need to prescribe an antidepressant to address the patient's depression

A terminally ill patient in pain asks the nurse to administer enough pain medication to end the suffering forever. Which is the best response by the nurse? A) "I can't do that, I will go to jail" B) "I am surprised that you would ask me to do something like that" C) "I will see if the primary provider will order enough for that to occur" D) "I will notify the primary provider that the current dose of medication is not relieving your pain"

D) "I will notify the primary provider that the current dose of medication is not relieving your pain"

A patient's family member asks the nurse what the purpose of hospice is. Which is the best response by the nurse? A)"It will hasten the death of the patient" B) "It will prolong life in a dignified manner" C) "It will use artificial means of life support if the patient requests it" D) "It will enable the patient to remain home if that is what is desired"

D) "It will enable the patient to remain home if that is what is desired"

A patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is admitted to be a hospice facility and asks the admitting nurse, "How long will I be allowed to stay here?" Which is the best response by the nurse? A) "You will be able to stay only for for approximately 1 month and then you will be discharged" B) "You will be able to stay for 2 months before being discharged" C) "There is no time limit for your stay. You can stay until you die." D) "When your stay reaches 6 months, you will be re-certified for a continued stay"

D) "When your stay reaches 6 months, you will be re-certified for a continued stay"

A patient authorizes an adult child to make medical decisions and brings the completed forms for the nurse to place on the chart. Which form does the nurse identify this as? A) An advance directive B) A living will C) A standard addendum to a will D) A proxy directive

D) A proxy directive