Chapter 42: Death and Loss

Chapter 42: Death and Loss

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The hospice nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient. The patient’s son is distraught because the patient will probably die within the next few days and there is nothing he can do about it. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the patient’s son at this time?

a.	Chronic sorrow r/t impending death of mother
b.	Impaired religiosity r/t difficulty adhering to religious beliefs
c.	Powerlessness r/t progression of mother’s terminal illness
d.	Complicated grieving r/t desired avoidance of mourning

 

 

ANS:  C

The patient’s son is experiencing powerlessness because he is unable to change the outcome of his mother’s imminent death. The son makes no mention of religious beliefs, so impaired religiosity is not appropriate. Complicated grieving is applicable to individuals who have recently experienced a loss.

 

DIF:    Applying        REF:   pp. 1120-1121                                 TOP:   Diagnosis

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity: Grief and Loss

NOT:  Concepts: Coping

 

2. The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient whose children have come home to be with their mother during her last few days. They spend time looking through picture albums, watching old home movies, and remembering fun times spent together. Which term best describes the activity of the patient’s children?

a.	Anticipatory grieving
b.	Bereavement
c.	Caregiver role strain
d.	Death anxiety

 

 

ANS:  A

The patient and her children are experiencing anticipatory grief as they prepare for the expected death of the patient. The patient and her children are preparing themselves for what is to come.

 

DIF:    Applying        REF:   pp. 1113-1114                                 TOP:   Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity: Grief and Loss

NOT:  Concepts: Family Dynamics

 

3. The nurse is caring for a female patient who died a few minutes previously. The patient’s family comes in to the room and immediately starts to wash the body in preparation for burial. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse at this time?

a.	Inform the patient’s family that the body must be transported to the morgue.
b.	Instruct the patient’s family that hospital staff will provide post-mortem care.
c.	Obtain needed signatures for organ donation and autopsy.
d.	Offer to provide any needed supplies and provide privacy for the family.

 

 

ANS:  D

The most appropriate action of the nurse at this time is to allow the family to wash the patient’s body in accordance with their wishes and cultural values. Signatures may be obtained from the next of kin when washing is complete. The patient’s body may be transported to the morgue or funeral home after washing is completed.

 

DIF:    Applying        REF:   pp. 1127-1128                                 TOP:   Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity: End of Life Care

NOT:  Concepts: Family Dynamics

 

4. The nurse is caring for an emergency room patient who died as a result of a mishap with a loaded gun. The patient’s body will be transported to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. Which items will the nursing staff remove from the body before it leaves the hospital?

a.	Endotracheal tube
b.	Foley catheter and IV line
c.	Dentures
d.	Necklace and watch

 

 

ANS:  D

Medical devices and tubes are not removed from the body if an autopsy is to be performed. The patient’s necklace and watch may be removed and given to the patient’s family members before the body is transported to the coroner’s office for autopsy. Dentures should be left in the patient’s mouth.

 

DIF:    Understanding                                 REF:   p. 1127           TOP:   Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity: End of Life Care

NOT:  Concepts: Health Care Law