NUR 2214 Week 8 Quiz V1 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 8
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in the final stages of a terminal illness.
Which physiological sign would the nurse most likely observe as the patient approaches
death?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
C. Increased hunger and thirst
D. High-intensity muscular twitching
Answer: B
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations represent a pattern of breathing characterized by
alternating periods of apnea and hyperventilation, common in the dying process. This
occurs as the respiratory center in the brain begins to fail due to hypoxia or decreased
perfusion. The nurse should provide comfort measures and explain this pattern to the
family to reduce anxiety.
2. The family of a terminally ill older adult asks the nurse to explain the primary difference
between palliative care and hospice care. What is the most accurate response?
A. Hospice care is only provided in a hospital setting, while palliative care is home-based.
,B. Hospice care requires the patient to have a Do Not Resuscitate order, but palliative care
does not.
C. Palliative care focuses strictly on curing the disease, while hospice focuses on comfort.
D. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, while hospice is for those
with a prognosis of six months or less.
Answer: D
Rationale: Palliative care is a broad approach aimed at improving quality of life for
patients with life-threatening illnesses at any stage. Hospice is a specific type of palliative
care reserved for the terminal phase when curative treatment is no longer sought.
Understanding this distinction helps families make informed decisions about the level of
support required for their loved one.
3. An older adult patient with end-stage renal disease expresses a wish to stop dialysis. Which
ethical principle is the nurse upholding by supporting the patient’s decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Answer: B
, Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own healthcare
decisions based on their values and beliefs. By respecting the patient’s choice to
discontinue life-prolonging treatment, the nurse acknowledges the patient’s self-
determination. The nurse’s role is to ensure the patient is fully informed of the
consequences before the decision is finalized.
4. Which document allows an older adult to designate a specific person to make healthcare
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
A. A Last Will and Testament
B. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
C. An Organ Donation Card
D. A Living Will
Answer: B
Rationale: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, also known as a healthcare
proxy, names a surrogate decision-maker. This is distinct from a living will, which specifies
the types of treatments a person wants or does not want. Having a designated agent helps
ensure that the patient’s wishes are followed when they can no longer speak for
themselves.
5. A nurse is providing post-mortem care for an older adult. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Apply a chin strap to keep the mouth closed.
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 8
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in the final stages of a terminal illness.
Which physiological sign would the nurse most likely observe as the patient approaches
death?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
C. Increased hunger and thirst
D. High-intensity muscular twitching
Answer: B
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations represent a pattern of breathing characterized by
alternating periods of apnea and hyperventilation, common in the dying process. This
occurs as the respiratory center in the brain begins to fail due to hypoxia or decreased
perfusion. The nurse should provide comfort measures and explain this pattern to the
family to reduce anxiety.
2. The family of a terminally ill older adult asks the nurse to explain the primary difference
between palliative care and hospice care. What is the most accurate response?
A. Hospice care is only provided in a hospital setting, while palliative care is home-based.
,B. Hospice care requires the patient to have a Do Not Resuscitate order, but palliative care
does not.
C. Palliative care focuses strictly on curing the disease, while hospice focuses on comfort.
D. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, while hospice is for those
with a prognosis of six months or less.
Answer: D
Rationale: Palliative care is a broad approach aimed at improving quality of life for
patients with life-threatening illnesses at any stage. Hospice is a specific type of palliative
care reserved for the terminal phase when curative treatment is no longer sought.
Understanding this distinction helps families make informed decisions about the level of
support required for their loved one.
3. An older adult patient with end-stage renal disease expresses a wish to stop dialysis. Which
ethical principle is the nurse upholding by supporting the patient’s decision?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Non-maleficence
Answer: B
, Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of the patient to make their own healthcare
decisions based on their values and beliefs. By respecting the patient’s choice to
discontinue life-prolonging treatment, the nurse acknowledges the patient’s self-
determination. The nurse’s role is to ensure the patient is fully informed of the
consequences before the decision is finalized.
4. Which document allows an older adult to designate a specific person to make healthcare
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
A. A Last Will and Testament
B. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
C. An Organ Donation Card
D. A Living Will
Answer: B
Rationale: The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, also known as a healthcare
proxy, names a surrogate decision-maker. This is distinct from a living will, which specifies
the types of treatments a person wants or does not want. Having a designated agent helps
ensure that the patient’s wishes are followed when they can no longer speak for
themselves.
5. A nurse is providing post-mortem care for an older adult. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Apply a chin strap to keep the mouth closed.
