terms to know
apnea
no respirations for 15-50 seconds
which stage of grief does a patient refuse to believe their diagnosis?
denial
what is hospice?
designed and available for patients in the later stages of terminal illness and does not commonly include measures meant to cure or stop the natural process of dying
what is palliative care
or comfort care, is health-care provider directed but is not intended to cure the patient’s disease
of the following:
decreased appetite, increased blood pressure, irregular breathing, cold extremities
which one is NOT a common sign of end stage disease?
Increased blood pressure
which document allows a patient to designate someone to make medical decisions on their behalf?
durable power of attorney for health care
a patient diagnosed with a terminal illness says "if i can just live to see my daughter get married, I will be ready to go" which stage of grief is this?
Bargaining
a living will includes instructions about:
medical treatment preferences
what is the main difference between hospice and palliative care?
hospice care is only for patients with less than 6 months to live
a patient is experiencing dyspnea, what position should the position be placed in?
High fowlers position
DNAR order means that we will do / or not do what?
no resuscitation efforts will be made if the heart stops
What will the nurse do when she notices a dying patient withdrawing and not responding to family members?
allow the patient to withdraw
what is the nurses role when a patient has a DNAR order?
which safety measure is important when providing oral care for an unconscious terminally ill patient?
a. use a soft toothbrush with minimal water
b. tilt the head forward while brushing
c. avoid using any moisture on the lips
d. perform oral care only once per shift
a. use a soft toothbrush with minimal water
true or false: fixed and dilate pupils are a common neurological sign of impending death
True
comorbidity
having multiple diseases
what is the primary goal of end of life care by the nurse?
enhancing comfort and quality of life
Which religious group typically opposes autopsy and embalming?
Muslim
the best way to prevent pressure ulcers in a bedridden patient is to:
reposition the patient every two hours
a dying patient is exhibiting mottled skin and cool extremities, death will likely occur when?
likely within hours to days
deliberate ending of a terminal ill patient's life
which of the following statements is true regarding the role of the nurse in end of life care:
a. nurses should focus only on physical symptoms
b. emotional and spiritual support is outside the nurse's scope of practice
c. the nurse should provide holistic care, including emotional support
d. nurses should avoid discussing death with the patient
C. the nurse should provide holistic care, including emotional support
a benefit of dehydration at the end of life is:
decreased secretions
providing respite means
make arrangements for provision of care in order that the family members may have a time to get away, rest, and rejuvenate without the strain and worry of continual caregiving
a family member is concerned that their loved one has stopped eating, what is an appropriate response by the nurse?
this is normal, the body no longer needs nutrition in the final stages of life