Chapter 24: Loss, Death, and End-of-Life Care

Chapter 24: Loss, Death, and End-of-Life Care

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. How should a nurse position the body after the death of a patient?

a.	Prone
b.	Supine
c.	On the side
d.	In Fowler position

 

 

ANS:  B

The body should be placed in the supine position, with the arms at the sides or with the hands across the abdomen.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   p. 377-378      OBJ:   1

TOP:   Positioning after Death                    KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

2. According to Strauss and Glaser, three states of awareness of terminal illness have been identified. What do these states include?

a.	Denial, anger, and depression
b.	Shock, yearning, and anguish
c.	Avoidance, confrontation, and accommodation
d.	Closed awareness, mutual pretense, and open awareness

 

 

ANS:  D

Strauss and Glaser have identified three states of awareness: closed awareness, mutual pretense, and open awareness.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   p. 378             OBJ:   2

TOP:   Awareness of Terminal Illness         KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Coping and Adaptation

 

3. When planning the care of a patient who is terminally ill, a nurse should include the prevention of pain and relief from discomfort. What should the nurse implement when administering pain medication?

a.	Narcotics have the potential for addiction.
b.	Pain medication must be given before the pain becomes unbearable.
c.	Pain medication should be given no more often than every 6 hours.
d.	Narcotics must be given as needed only.

 

 

ANS:  B

Pain control must be consistent to provide constant relief rather than waiting until the pain is unbearable and then trying to relieve it. Addiction to narcotics is of little concern.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 372-373      OBJ:   5

TOP:   Pain Control   KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies

 

4. What is one of the most important interventions for a nurse to implement when caring for a patient who is terminally ill?

a.	Touching and listening to the patient
b.	Encouraging the patient to express any regrets
c.	Assessing for signs and symptoms of impending death
d.	Talking to the patient about how other patients have handled the dying process

 

 

ANS:  A

The simple presence of someone provides support and comfort. Neither words nor actions are necessary unless the patient requires something. Holding hands, touching, and listening are quality nursing responses.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 373             OBJ:   5

TOP:   Fear of Loneliness                           KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Coping and Adaptation