NUR 2214 Week 10 Quiz V2 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 10
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. An older adult patient with terminal cancer is experiencing dyspnea. Which intervention
should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Request an immediate chest X-ray to determine the cause
B. Initiate aggressive suctioning to clear secretions
C. Place the patient in a prone position for lung expansion
D. Administer low-flow oxygen and a small dose of morphine
Answer: D
Rationale: Morphine is the gold standard for managing dyspnea in end-of-life care because
it reduces the sensation of breathlessness. Low-flow oxygen provides comfort even if the
oxygen saturation levels are within normal limits. Aggressive suctioning is often
contraindicated at the end of life as it causes distress and trauma to the patient.
2. Which document allows an older adult to specify which medical treatments they want or
do not want if they become incapacitated?
A. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
B. Patient Bill of Rights
,C. Living Will
D. Informed Consent Disclosure
Answer: C
Rationale: A Living Will is a legal document that outlines a patient’s specific preferences
for life-sustaining treatments like ventilation or tube feeding. It differs from a Durable
Power of Attorney, which designates a person to make decisions. Nurses must ensure these
documents are scanned into the electronic health record to honor patient autonomy.
3. A nurse is providing post-mortem care. Which action is appropriate when preparing the
body for the family to view?
A. Leave all tubes and drains in place regardless of circumstances
B. Ensure the room is brightly lit to show the patient’s features
C. Remove dentures and replace them if possible, or place them in a labeled cup
D. Keep the eyes open to simulate a natural appearance
Answer: C
Rationale: Post-mortem care involves making the patient appear peaceful and natural for
the family’s final viewing. The nurse should close the eyes, replace dentures, and wash the
body as needed. It is essential to follow facility policy regarding the removal of medical
tubes based on whether an autopsy is required.
, 4. An older adult is entering the active phase of dying. Which respiratory pattern does the
nurse anticipate observing?
A. Kussmaul respirations
B. Tachypnea with respiratory alkalosis
C. Eupnea with occasional sighs
D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Answer: D
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by cycles of deep, rapid breathing
followed by periods of apnea. This pattern is a common sign of impending death in the
geriatric population. The nurse should explain this phenomenon to the family to reduce
their anxiety during the dying process.
5. What is the primary difference between hospice care and palliative care?
A. Palliative care is only for patients with less than 6 months to live
B. Hospice care allows for curative treatments while palliative does not
C. Palliative care requires the patient to be in a hospital setting
D. Hospice care is specifically for those with a prognosis of 6 months or less
Answer: D
Rationale: Hospice care is a specialized form of palliative care reserved for patients near
the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. Palliative care can be
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 10
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. An older adult patient with terminal cancer is experiencing dyspnea. Which intervention
should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Request an immediate chest X-ray to determine the cause
B. Initiate aggressive suctioning to clear secretions
C. Place the patient in a prone position for lung expansion
D. Administer low-flow oxygen and a small dose of morphine
Answer: D
Rationale: Morphine is the gold standard for managing dyspnea in end-of-life care because
it reduces the sensation of breathlessness. Low-flow oxygen provides comfort even if the
oxygen saturation levels are within normal limits. Aggressive suctioning is often
contraindicated at the end of life as it causes distress and trauma to the patient.
2. Which document allows an older adult to specify which medical treatments they want or
do not want if they become incapacitated?
A. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
B. Patient Bill of Rights
,C. Living Will
D. Informed Consent Disclosure
Answer: C
Rationale: A Living Will is a legal document that outlines a patient’s specific preferences
for life-sustaining treatments like ventilation or tube feeding. It differs from a Durable
Power of Attorney, which designates a person to make decisions. Nurses must ensure these
documents are scanned into the electronic health record to honor patient autonomy.
3. A nurse is providing post-mortem care. Which action is appropriate when preparing the
body for the family to view?
A. Leave all tubes and drains in place regardless of circumstances
B. Ensure the room is brightly lit to show the patient’s features
C. Remove dentures and replace them if possible, or place them in a labeled cup
D. Keep the eyes open to simulate a natural appearance
Answer: C
Rationale: Post-mortem care involves making the patient appear peaceful and natural for
the family’s final viewing. The nurse should close the eyes, replace dentures, and wash the
body as needed. It is essential to follow facility policy regarding the removal of medical
tubes based on whether an autopsy is required.
, 4. An older adult is entering the active phase of dying. Which respiratory pattern does the
nurse anticipate observing?
A. Kussmaul respirations
B. Tachypnea with respiratory alkalosis
C. Eupnea with occasional sighs
D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Answer: D
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by cycles of deep, rapid breathing
followed by periods of apnea. This pattern is a common sign of impending death in the
geriatric population. The nurse should explain this phenomenon to the family to reduce
their anxiety during the dying process.
5. What is the primary difference between hospice care and palliative care?
A. Palliative care is only for patients with less than 6 months to live
B. Hospice care allows for curative treatments while palliative does not
C. Palliative care requires the patient to be in a hospital setting
D. Hospice care is specifically for those with a prognosis of 6 months or less
Answer: D
Rationale: Hospice care is a specialized form of palliative care reserved for patients near
the end of life, typically with a prognosis of six months or less. Palliative care can be
