Chapter 16 End-of-Life Care

Three medications that are commonly used to increase appetite:

dexamethasone (Decadron) megestrolacetate (Megace) dronabinol (Marinol)

Two types of medications used to treat underlying obstructed pathology associated with dyspnea are:

Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

What is a major difference between the two in focus?

Palliative care does not focus primarily on prep for death, as does hospice care

A terminally ill patient is admitted to the hospital. The patient grabs the nurse's hand and asks, "Am I dying?" What response would be best for the nurse to give?

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

What is a living will?

Advance directive - treatment preferences are documented

A patient near the end of life is experiencing anorexia-cachexia syndrome. What characteristics of the syndrome does the nurse recognize? (Select all that apply)

Alterations in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Endocrine dysfunction Anemia

What are the similarities in palliative and hospice care?

Coordinated programs of interdisciplinary services provided by professional caregivers and trained volunteers to patients with serious progressive illnesses who are not responsive to curative treatment

A patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has been given less than 6 months to live. What type of referral should the nurse make to assist this patient and family at home?

Hospice

Who spear-headed the movement to increase an awareness of the dying process among health care practitioners? _______The name of her book was: _________

Kubler- Ross. On Death and Dying

What is durable power of attorney?

Legal document in which a signer appoints another to make medical decisions

A patient diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer is unaware of the diagnosis and his daughter has requested that he not be told. What awareness context does the nurse determine that this is?

Closed awareness

What is the position of the American Nurses Association (ANA) on assisted suicide in nursing?

Assisted suicide is a violation of the code for nurses