Deck 33: The Terminally Ill Patient and Postmortem Care

Question 1

When a patient feels death is near, he/she

A) may make many unreasonable requests.
B) may be afraid to be alone.
C) may ask many questions.
D) any of the above

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The patient is declared dead

A) if the patient stops breathing for more than 2 minutes.
B) if the patient has no pulse.
C) if the nurse calls a code.
D) by the physician only when all efforts fail to keep the patient alive.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

When caring for a terminally ill patient, you should

A) provide a special diet high in fiber.
B) continue to provide a high standard of care.
C) use a hushed voice or not speak to the patient.
D) keep the lights dim all of the time.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

You notice that a dying patient has a very large amount of secretions in his/her mouth. You should

A) tell your immediate supervisor.
B) offer a mouthwash to the patient.
C) apply glycerine.
D) offer water to the patient.

Question 5

Which type of care does NOT cure the patient, but focuses on relief of the pain, stress, and other debilitating symptoms of serious illness?

A) in vitro care
B) palliative care
C) postmortem care
D) premortem care

Question 6

Hospice care

A) works to cure the patient.
B) is based on a family-oriented approach.
C) occurs primarily in the hospital.
D) all of the above

Question 7

Hospice care occurs primarily in the hospital.

Question 8

The terminally ill patient requires a special diet.

Question 9

A dying patient may sweat even though they feel cold.

Question 10

A dying patient may talk to persons who have died.

Question 11

If you observe any signs of approaching death, tell the family first.

Question 12

As a nursing assistant, do NOT feel guilty because you cannot improve the condition of a terminally ill patient. You can help the patient and family by maintaining a concerned and caring approach.