Exam 25: Loss, Grief, Dying, and Death in Later Life

Which of the following statements about loss, dying, and death for older adults is true?

Which of the following characteristics is associated with acute grief?

After an older adult dies, his brother, who has a history of alcohol abuse, upsets the family by going on a drinking binge instead of attending the funeral. What is the best description of the brother's behaviour?

The son of an older adult couple ends his life suddenly and violently. The husband proceeds with living as usual. After one year, the wife remains in seclusion and is hospitalized for dehydration. Which step should the nurse implement to help improve the wife's mental health and wellness?

An older patient who has end-stage pulmonary disease decides to accept care from the palliative care nurse. This older adult is most likely to benefit from the palliative care nurse in terms of which following patient need of Weisman's six needs for the dying?

Mrs. Cantor, 70 years of age, has been admitted to hospital with chest pain. She has recently lost her husband because of a sudden myocardial infarction, and she blames herself for not recognizing his warning signs. What is the nurse's priority intervention with Mrs. Cantor?

Nurses have had strong opinions both for and against assisted passive euthanasia. Considerable confusion exists regarding terminology and interpretation of what effects the nurse's role may have in end-of-life care or palliative care. Which one of the following might constitute an example of active euthanasia?

Advance care planning is the process of planning for a time when older adults may not have the mental capacity to make decisions about their health care. Mrs. Jaworski, 75 years of age, has designated her daughter as her substitute decision maker if she is unable to speak for herself. Mrs. Jaworski is admitted to hospice care after a lengthy illness. What is the nurse's role in assisting this patient with advance care planning?

The primary difference between the Loss Response Model (LRM) and the Worden model of grief is which of the following?

Which of the following statements about loss in older adulthood is true?

The health care provider feels that an older female adult has about six weeks to live. After two months, the family remains at the bedside but, in the last few days, they have become increasingly impatient and irritable. This pattern is least indicative of which of the following statements?

Mrs. Palmer, 75 years of age, was admitted to hospital one week ago with end-stage cancer of the breast. This morning, when the nurse assesses Mrs. Palmer, a significant decline in all of her systems is apparent. Mr. Palmer, who is sitting beside her bed, looks at the nurse and states, "I miss her so much, how will I go on without her?" How should the nurse respond?

The actions of the family of an older adult who just died are chaotic, and the family members are unable to decide on a funeral home. The nurse observes "functional disruption." Which recommendation should the nurse implement?

Jean Smithers, 80 years of age, is grieving the loss of her husband, Adam, who died last month at the age of 82. They had been life partners for 60 years. She cries all the time and complains of feeling distracted and restless. She says that deciding what to wear seems too complex a task and she is "at loose ends." What type of grief is Jean Smithers experiencing?

When an older female adult who is close to death asks the family to leave after short visits and acts withdrawn in their presence, the family becomes distraught. What does the nurse include in family teaching to explain the patient's behaviour?