Chapter 18: Loss and End-of-Life Issues

Chapter 18: Loss and End-of-Life Issues

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The nurse documents that a newly widowed older adult patient is likely experiencing physical grief responses when she:

ANS:  C

Physical symptoms are commonly associated with acute grief responses. Tearfulness, crying, loss of appetite, feelings of hollowness in the stomach, decreased energy, fatigue, lethargy, and sleep difficulties are common symptoms of grief. Other physical sensations may include tension, weight loss or gain, sighing, feeling something stuck in one’s throat, tightness in one’s chest or throat, heart palpitations, restlessness, shortness of breath, and dry mouth.

DIF:    Remembering (Knowledge)             REF:   Page 326        OBJ:   18-3

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Psychosocial Integrity

2. The nurse is confident that an older adult is successfully completing the tasks associated with mourning his wife’s death when he:

ANS:  D

The last task in the process of mourning is the withdrawal of emotional energy and the reinvestment in another relationship; this entails withdrawing emotional attachment to the lost person and continuing on with life.

DIF:    Remembering (Knowledge)             REF:   Page 328        OBJ:   18-5

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Psychosocial Integrity

3. Although the family of a newly widowed older adult patient lives several hours away, they are interested in providing appropriate support. The nurse suggests it would be most helpful if they would:

ANS:  A

Loneliness and problems associated with the tasks of daily living are two of the most common and difficult adjustments for older bereaved spouses. Calling daily will help alleviate the loneliness. Taking over responsibilities may take away the only thing the patient “has left.” Learning to drive may be important, but the family should not encourage the patient to make a major life decision like moving now. Taking the patient on vacation is a nice idea, but this occurs yearly versus calling daily.

DIF:    Applying (Application)                    REF:   N/A                OBJ:   18-3

TOP:   Teaching-Learning                          MSC:  Psychosocial Integrity

4. A man who recently lost his wife of 50 years shares with the nurse that he’ll “never get over missing her.” The nurse is most therapeutic when responding:

ANS:  D

The third step in the process of mourning is the adjustment to an environment in which the deceased is missing. Older spouses have reported that they feel as though they will never “get over” their loss; instead, they have learned to live with it. It is nice to let the patient know you are here for him or her, but this does not give any useful information to help the patient. Telling the patient to focus on memories is dismissive. The nurse should not use clichés like “time will help.”

DIF:    Applying (Application)                    REF:   N/A                OBJ:   18-5

TOP:   Caring            MSC:  Psychosocial Integrity