NUR 2214 Week 9 Quiz V3 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 9
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is transitionally dying. Which physiological
sign is most indicative of impending death within hours?
A. Mottling of the hands and feet
B. Increased urinary output
C. Improved appetite and energy
D. Hypertension and tachycardia
Answer: A
Rationale: Mottling is caused by decreased peripheral circulation as the body shuts down.
It often begins in the lower extremities and moves upward. This sign typically indicates
that death is imminent within hours or days.
2. Which statement best describes the primary goal of palliative care in the older adult
population?
A. Providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life
B. Limiting care to only the last 6 months of life
C. Curing the underlying terminal illness
,D. Assisting with physician-aided suicide
Answer: A
Rationale: Palliative care focuses on symptom management rather than curative intent. It
can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, not just at the end of life. The
interdisciplinary approach aims to support the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of
the patient.
3. An older adult patient expresses a desire to have their medical decisions made by their
daughter if they become incapacitated. Which document should the nurse facilitate?
A. Living Will
B. Patient Bill of Rights
C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
D. A notarized letter of intent
Answer: C
Rationale: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOAH) designates a specific
surrogate to make medical decisions. While a Living Will outlines specific treatment
preferences, the DPOAH provides a broader scope of decision-making power. This ensures
the patient’s wishes are advocated for when they can no longer speak for themselves.
4. A hospice nurse is managing a patient with ‘death rattle’ (loud gurgling secretions). Which
medication is most appropriate to prescribe?
A. Furosemide
, B. Scopolamine patch or Atropine drops
C. Albuterol nebulizer
D. Guaifenesin
Answer: B
Rationale: Anticholinergic medications like Scopolamine or Atropine help dry up excessive
respiratory secretions. These secretions occur because the patient can no longer clear the
airway effectively. Reducing the sound can significantly decrease distress for family
members at the bedside.
5. According to the Kubler-Ross stages of grief, a patient who states ‘I just want to live long
enough to see my grandson graduate’ is in which stage?
A. Denial
B. Bargaining
C. Anger
D. Depression
Answer: B
Rationale: Bargaining involves the patient trying to negotiate for more time or a delay in
death. It is often characterized by ‘if… then’ statements or specific milestones. Nurses
should listen supportively and validate the importance of these goals.
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 9
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is transitionally dying. Which physiological
sign is most indicative of impending death within hours?
A. Mottling of the hands and feet
B. Increased urinary output
C. Improved appetite and energy
D. Hypertension and tachycardia
Answer: A
Rationale: Mottling is caused by decreased peripheral circulation as the body shuts down.
It often begins in the lower extremities and moves upward. This sign typically indicates
that death is imminent within hours or days.
2. Which statement best describes the primary goal of palliative care in the older adult
population?
A. Providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life
B. Limiting care to only the last 6 months of life
C. Curing the underlying terminal illness
,D. Assisting with physician-aided suicide
Answer: A
Rationale: Palliative care focuses on symptom management rather than curative intent. It
can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, not just at the end of life. The
interdisciplinary approach aims to support the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of
the patient.
3. An older adult patient expresses a desire to have their medical decisions made by their
daughter if they become incapacitated. Which document should the nurse facilitate?
A. Living Will
B. Patient Bill of Rights
C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
D. A notarized letter of intent
Answer: C
Rationale: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOAH) designates a specific
surrogate to make medical decisions. While a Living Will outlines specific treatment
preferences, the DPOAH provides a broader scope of decision-making power. This ensures
the patient’s wishes are advocated for when they can no longer speak for themselves.
4. A hospice nurse is managing a patient with ‘death rattle’ (loud gurgling secretions). Which
medication is most appropriate to prescribe?
A. Furosemide
, B. Scopolamine patch or Atropine drops
C. Albuterol nebulizer
D. Guaifenesin
Answer: B
Rationale: Anticholinergic medications like Scopolamine or Atropine help dry up excessive
respiratory secretions. These secretions occur because the patient can no longer clear the
airway effectively. Reducing the sound can significantly decrease distress for family
members at the bedside.
5. According to the Kubler-Ross stages of grief, a patient who states ‘I just want to live long
enough to see my grandson graduate’ is in which stage?
A. Denial
B. Bargaining
C. Anger
D. Depression
Answer: B
Rationale: Bargaining involves the patient trying to negotiate for more time or a delay in
death. It is often characterized by ‘if… then’ statements or specific milestones. Nurses
should listen supportively and validate the importance of these goals.
