End of Life Care

Question 1

What is the main goal of end-of-life care?

Answer 1

To ensure a peaceful, comfortable, and dignified death.

Comfort care prioritizes symptom management and emotional support.

Question 2

Define:

terminal illness

Answer 2

A disease with no cure that is expected to lead to death.

Examples include advanced cancer and ALS.

Question 3

How can a nurse assistant support a patient’s emotional needs at the end of life?

Answer 3

• Listening.
• Offering reassurance.
• Providing companionship.

Emotional support helps reduce fear and anxiety.

Question 4

List THREE signs that death is approaching.

Answer 4

1. Weak pulse.
2. Cool extremities.
3. Irregular breathing.

These are common indicators that the body is shutting down.

Question 5

Fill in the blank:

_______ care focuses on relieving symptoms rather than curing illness.

Answer 5

Palliative

Palliative care improves comfort for terminally ill patients.

Question 6

Define:

hospice care

Answer 6

A type of care that provides comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families.

Hospice care is typically provided when a patient has six months or less to live.

Question 7

True or False:

A patient receiving hospice care can still receive curative treatment.

Answer 7

False

Hospice care focuses solely on comfort rather than curative treatments.

Question 8

What is the role of family in hospice care?

Answer 8

• Providing emotional support.
• Participating in care.
• Making decisions.

Families play a crucial role in the dying process.

Question 9

What is the importance of hospice volunteers?

Answer 9

They provide:

• Companionship
• Respite care
• Emotional support

Volunteers help both patients and families during the dying process.

Question 10

Which healthcare order specifies that no CPR should be performed if the heart stops?

Answer 10

Do-Not-Resuscitate

(DNR)

A DNR order must be documented and respected.

Question 11

True or False:

A nurse assistant should always initiate CPR unless told otherwise.

Answer 11

False

If a patient has a DNR order, CPR should not be performed.

Question 12

What should a nurse assistant do if a family member expresses grief?

Answer 12

• Offer a listening ear.
• Acknowledge their emotions.

Grief is a normal part of the end-of-life process.

Question 13

Why is respecting a patient’s religious beliefs important in end-of-life care?

Answer 13

It ensures that the patient’s spiritual needs are met and provides comfort.

Spiritual beliefs can influence end-of-life decisions.

Question 14

List TWO ways to manage pain in a dying patient.

Answer 14

1. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
2. Adjust positioning for comfort.

Pain control is a priority in end-of-life care.

Question 15

List THREE common emotions experienced by dying patients.

Answer 15

1. Fear
2. Anger
3. Sadness

Emotional responses vary based on personal beliefs and past experiences.

Question 16

What should a nurse assistant do if a patient expresses a desire to stop eating and drinking?

Answer 16

Report to the nurse and respect the patient’s wishes.

Some patients choose to stop eating as part of the natural dying process.

Question 17

How can a nurse assistant help a dying patient feel in control?

Answer 17

• Offer choices in care.
• Respect their wishes.
• Involve them in decisions.

Autonomy can reduce anxiety in terminal patients.

Question 18

Why should a dying patient not be left alone?

Answer 18

They may:

1. Experience fear and discomfort.
2. Need assistance.

Presence of loved ones or caregivers provides reassurance.

Question 19

List TWO benefits of music therapy for dying patients.

Answer 19

1. Reduces anxiety.
2. Promotes relaxation.

Music therapy is a non-medication comfort measure.

Question 20

How can a nurse assistant support a patient’s dignity at the end of life?

Answer 20

• Respect privacy.
• Communicate kindly.
• Ensure comfort.

Preserving dignity is a fundamental part of compassionate care.

Question 21

True or False:

Medications should always be continued until the moment of death.

Answer 21

False

Some medications may be discontinued if they no longer provide comfort.

Question 22

How can a nurse assistant help a patient experiencing terminal agitation?

Answer 22

• Provide a calm environment.
• Reassure the patient.
• Notify the nurse.

Agitation is common in the final days of life.

Question 23

Why is mouth care important for terminally ill patients?

Answer 23

• It prevents dryness.
• It promotes comfort.

Regular oral care can reduce discomfort from dry mouth.

Question 24

List THREE ways of managing dehydration in a dying patient.

Answer 24

1. Offer ice chips.
2. Provide oral swabs.
3. Keep lips moist.

Many dying patients no longer tolerate fluids but need comfort measures.

Question 25

# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ occurs when a dying patient becomes **withdrawn and less responsive**.

Answer 25

Nearing death awareness ## Footnote Patients may enter a state of reflection or disengagement from surroundings.

Question 26

# Fill in the blank: A \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_ order allows patients to **refuse life-prolonging measures** such as feeding tubes or ventilators.

Answer 26

living will ## Footnote A living will outlines a patient’s medical treatment preferences.

Question 27

# True or False: Hearing is the **last sense to go** before death.

Answer 27

True ## Footnote Even unconscious patients may still hear voices.

Question 28

# Fill in the blank: Patients nearing the end of life may experience \_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_, a **noisy breathing** caused by mucus buildup.

Answer 28

death rattle ## Footnote This occurs as the body loses the ability to clear secretions.

Question 29

What is one way to **ease a patient’s breathing** at the end of life?

Answer 29

**Elevate the head** of the bed. ## Footnote This helps reduce discomfort from shortness of breath.

Question 30

What should a nurse assistant do **immediately** after **a patient dies**?

Answer 30

* Notify the nurse. * Allow family members **private time** with the body. ## Footnote Postmortem care follows after official confirmation of death.

Question 31

# Define: postmortem care

Answer 31

The process of **preparing the body** after death. ## Footnote This includes cleaning, positioning, and dressing the body.

Question 32

How should a patient’s **body be positioned** after death?

Answer 32

**Supine** with hands at the sides or on the chest. ## Footnote Proper positioning preserves dignity and appearance.

Question 33

# Define: rigor mortis

Answer 33

The **stiffening of muscles** after death. ## Footnote Begins within 6 to 8 hours postmortem.

Question 34

How can family members **be involved in postmortem** care?

Answer 34

They may assist with **washing or dressing the body** according to cultural practices. ## Footnote Family participation can bring closure and comfort.

Question 35

# Define: bereavement care

Answer 35

Support given to **grieving family members** after a patient’s death. ## Footnote Bereavement support helps families cope with loss.

Question 36

How can a nurse assistant **support a grieving family**?

Answer 36

* Provide a calm presence. * Offer condolences. * Respect their space. ## Footnote Families need time to process their loss.

Question 37

# Fill in the blank: The \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ model outlines **five stages of grief**.

Answer 37

Kübler-Ross ## Footnote The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Question 38

# True or False: Every dying patient experiences **all five stages of grief**.

Answer 38

False ## Footnote Some patients may not go through every stage or may move back and forth between them.

Question 39

# Define: anticipatory grief

Answer 39

Grief that occurs **before the actual loss** happens. ## Footnote Common in families of terminally ill patients.

Question 40

What should be done with a patient’s **personal belongings** after death?

Answer 40

Collect them carefully and give them to the **designated family member**. ## Footnote Handling belongings with respect supports grieving families.

Question 41

How can a nurse assistant help a terminally ill patient with **spiritual distress**?

Answer 41

* Arrange visits from clergy. * Provide privacy for prayer. * Listen without judgment. ## Footnote Addressing spiritual needs can bring peace at the end of life.

Question 42

List TWO **religious practices** that may affect end-of-life care.

Answer 42

1. Last rites in Christianity. 1. Washing the body in Islam or Judaism. ## Footnote Religious customs around death should be respected.

Question 43

List TWO **cultural considerations** in end-of-life care.

Answer 43

1. Preferences for postmortem care. 1. Rituals surrounding death. ## Footnote Different cultures have unique traditions related to death.

Question 44

# Fill in the blank: **Orthodox Jewish patients** may require their body to be \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ before burial.

Answer 44

washed by family members or religious personnel ## Footnote Following these practices is important for respecting cultural beliefs.

Question 45

How can a healthcare provider support a **Buddhist patient’s end-of-life practices**?

Answer 45

* Allow for chanting or prayer. * Avoid moving the body for several hours after death. ## Footnote Honoring these practices respects spiritual beliefs.