Chapter 8: End of Life

Chapter 8: End of Life

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Which of the following statements best describes assisted suicide?

a.	It is a form of withdrawal of treatment.
b.	It is a passive process, and the patient is mentally competent.
c.	It is an active process, and the patient is mentally incompetent.
d.	It is an active process, and the patient is mentally competent.

 

 

ANS:  D

Correct D: In assisted suicide, active steps are taken to end the life of a debilitated but mentally competent patient who requests this of another person.

 

Incorrect A: Assisted suicide does not involve a withdrawal of treatment.

Incorrect B: This statement does not accurately describe assisted suicide.

Incorrect C: This statement does not accurately describe assisted suicide.

 

DIF:    Cognitive level: Comprehension      REF:   p. 251

 

2. Which of the following situations is an example of an ethical dilemma that can arise while the nurse on a medical unit is caring for a terminally ill patient who is near death?

a.	The family wishes that the patient will live longer.
b.	The family requests IV fluids for hydration of the patient.
c.	The family requests administration of narcotics for the patient’s pain relief.
d.	The family refuses to allow the patient’s transfer to a Palliative Care Unit.

 

 

ANS:  B

Correct B: Hydrating the patient may create respiratory discomfort, potentially prolonging his or her suffering and postponing death; therefore, this request is an example of an ethical dilemma for the nurse.

 

Incorrect A: A family’s wish that a terminally ill patient live longer is not unethical and is a normal aspect of grief and loss.

Incorrect C: Administering narcotics prescribed for pain management is not unethical.

Incorrect D: This may conflict with the nurse’s values, but it is not unethical because the patient can still receive palliative care on the medical unit.

 

DIF:    Cognitive level: Synthesis                REF:   p. 242

 

3. Which of the following activities will help to ensure the dignity of older adult clients, regardless of their capacity?

a.	Use terminology that older adult clients can understand, such as “diapers.”
b.	Engage in conversation with older adult clients about their lives.
c.	Take over control from older adult clients as much as possible to conserve their energy.
d.	Call older adult clients by their first name only.

 

 

ANS:  B

Correct B: Engaging in conversation with older adult clients about their lives helps these clients feel valued. Older adults need stimulation and socialization and want to share their stories and to be treated with the respect they have earned throughout their lives.

 

Incorrect A: Using the term “diapers” is disrespectful and demeaning to older adults.

Incorrect C: Giving older adult clients as much control as possible allows them to feel valued and helps to ensure their dignity.

Incorrect D: Calling older adult clients by their first name may be disrespectful, depending on the clients’ culture and background. If the nurse is unsure, it is more appropriate to use their entire name, or family name only.

 

DIF:    Cognitive level: Synthesis                REF:   p. 247

 

4. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Canada due to the ethical principle of the sanctity of life. In light of this, which other ethical principle might be in conflict for nurses who work with dying patients?

a.	Autonomy
b.	Veracity
c.	Informed choice
d.	Responsibility and accountability

 

 

ANS:  A

Correct A: Autonomy is the right of individuals to make decisions that affect their lives. Some patients might request assisted suicide if it were available, and in such cases the ethical principle of autonomy would conflict with the principle of the sanctity of life.

 

Incorrect B: Veracity is the duty to tell the truth. This ethical principle is central to ensuring trust within the nurse–patient or nurse–client relationship but would not likely be in conflict for nurses working with the dying.

Incorrect C: Informed choice is not an ethical principle.

Incorrect D: Responsibility and accountability is a professional standard, not an ethical principle.

 

DIF:    Cognitive level: Synthesis                REF:   p. 253