Question 1

Which of the following best describes hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of dying persons and their families, without focusing on cure or life-saving measures.

Question 2

A patient with a terminal illness is receiving palliative care. Which statement best describes palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care provides relief from symptoms while also treating the illness.

Question 3

According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, which stage of dying is characterized by the person refusing to believe they are going to die?

Accepted Answer

Denial

Question 4

A dying patient expresses anger and resentment towards healthy people. Which stage of dying is this most likely associated with?

Accepted Answer

Anger

Question 5

Which of the following is a legal document that states a person’s wishes about health care when they cannot make their own decisions?

Accepted Answer

Advance directive

Question 6

A patient has a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order. What does this mean for their care?

Accepted Answer

They will be allowed to die in peace and dignity, but all comfort measures will still be provided.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT recommended when supporting a grieving family?

Accepted Answer

Use clichés such as 'I know how you feel.'

Question 8

Which physical change is most likely to occur as a person approaches death?

Accepted Answer

Vision blurs and eventually fails

Question 9

Why is oral care important for dying patients, even if they are not eating or drinking?

Accepted Answer

It promotes comfort and prevents oral discomfort.

Question 10

A patient is experiencing urinary incontinence during the dying process. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Provide frequent perineal care to maintain comfort and hygiene.

Question 11

Which of the following is a sign that death has occurred?

Accepted Answer

No breathing or pulse

Question 12

A family member is concerned that pain medication will hasten a dying patient’s death. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Pain medication is used to relieve suffering and is carefully managed to avoid hastening death.

Question 13

Which of the following is a right of a dying person in a nursing center?

Accepted Answer

To be free from abuse and mistreatment

Question 14

Which of the following is a sign of approaching death?

Accepted Answer

Restlessness and agitation

Question 15

What is the purpose of repositioning a dying patient frequently?

Accepted Answer

To maintain comfort and prevent skin breakdown

Question 16

Which of the following actions is appropriate during postmortem care?

Accepted Answer

Clean the person and put them in a normal position.

Question 17

A patient’s living will instructs doctors not to start life-support measures when death is likely. What is this document called?

Accepted Answer

Living will

Question 18

Which equation best represents the probability $$P of a $$patient dying at home, given that only 20% do so?

Accepted Answer

$$P = 0.2$$

Question 19

If 1/4 of all nursing home residents are transferred to a hospital in the last few days of life, what fraction of residents remain in the nursing home during this period?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{3}{4}$$

Question 20

A patient’s durable power of attorney for health care gives the power to make health care decisions to another person. What is this person called?

Accepted Answer

Health Care Proxy

Death and Dying: Chapter 59

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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