Exam 10: End-Of-Life Issues

During a home visit a terminally ill patient tells the nurse about his years in the Army and how he should have gone to "cooking and baking school" instead of becoming a military policeman. What should the nurse do during this story that indicates listening?

The spouse of a recently deceased older patient says that he does not really remember the funeral. Which stage of the grieving process is the spouse describing?

An older patient who lost her spouse a year ago is seen crying quietly in church during the singing of one hymn. What should this patient's behavior indicate?

While providing morning care to a terminally ill patient the nurse observes the nursing assistant laughing with the patient. What should the nurse do?

The family of a dying patient has been sitting at his bedside for hours, watching over the decreasing respirations. No one is speaking. What should the nurse say to the patient's son?

An older patient has a living will that clearly states no intubation, no IV hydration, and no feeding tube. As the end of life nears, the patient's daughter requests a feeding tube for the patient. What should the facility do?

A dying patient tells the nurse that he does not want any more renal dialysis treatments and just wants to be permitted to die. What should the nurse do with medications prescribed to control the patient's edema?

An older person grieving the loss of her spouse says that she doesn't want to live anymore. What should this statement indicate to the nurse?

The nurse desires to become a member of a hospice team. What should the nurse expect to do when providing hospice care?

The nurse notes that a terminally ill patient has cold extremities despite being saturated with sweat. What should the nurse do?

An older patient tells the nurse that he does not want to create a living will because he does not want to die. How should the nurse respond to this patient?

The spouse of a terminally ill patient asks why antibiotics are being prescribed for an infection when the patient is going to die anyway. How should the nurse respond?

An older patient who just lost her husband of 60 years is seen yelling at his picture, at the pictures of their children and grandchildren, and at the Bible in her hand. What should the nurse do?

The nurse is helping a patient think about things to include in a living will. What should the nurse suggest to the patient? Select all that apply.