NSG 430 EXAM 1 – ADULT HEALTH NURSING II
(2026)
Grand Canyon University | Complete 100-Question
Test Bank | Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | 100% Pass Guarantee
SECTION 1: PALLIATIVE CARE & END-OF-LIFE
(Questions 1–20)
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with end-stage
heart failure. The patient asks, "What is the
difference between palliative care and hospice
care?" Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
A) "Palliative care is only for patients who are
actively dying, while hospice care is for patients
with chronic illness."
,B) "Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of
life at any stage of illness, while hospice care is
specifically for patients with a life expectancy of 6
months or less."
C) "Hospice care is provided in the hospital only,
while palliative care is provided at home."
D) "There is no difference between palliative care
and hospice care."
Answer: B
Rationale: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary
approach that focuses on symptom management,
comfort, and quality of life for patients at any stage
of a serious illness, regardless of prognosis. Hospice
care is a specific type of palliative care provided to
patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less,
often focused on comfort at the end of life rather
than curative treatment. Option A is incorrect
because palliative care is not limited to actively
dying patients. Option C is incorrect because both
can be provided in various settings. Option D is
incorrect because while related, they are distinct.
,2. A patient with terminalcancer is receivingmorphine
for severe pain. The patient's respiratory rate drops to
8 breaths/min. What is theprioritynursing action?
A) Administer naloxone immediately
B) Stop themorphine infusion and notifythe provider
C) Place thepatientin Trendelenburg position
D) Encourage the patient to takedeep breaths
Answer: B
Rationale: The priority is to discontinue themorphine
infusion (orhold thenextdose) and notify the
provider. Naloxone(A) may be used if respiratory
depression is severe, but it isnotthe first action; it can
also reverse analgesia, causing increased pain.
Trendelenburg position (C) is not appropriate and may
worsen respiratory effort. Encouraging deep breaths
(D) is insufficient. The nurse should assess thepatient,
support breathing, and prepare to administer
naloxone if ordered.
3. A patient with end-stage COPDisreceiving hospice
care. The family asks thenurse,"Why is my fatherso
, restless and confused?" Which response by the nurse
is most appropriate?
A) "This is anormalpartof the dying process due to
decreased perfusion to thebrain."
B) "He is probably in pain and needs more
medication."
C) "He is experiencingdelirium from his medications."
D)"He is anxious about dying and needs to talk about
his feelings."
Answer: A
Rationale: Restlessness, confusion, and agitation are
common signs in theactivedyingphase due to
decreased oxygenation and perfusion to thebrain,
metabolic changes, and organ failure. While pain (B),
medication sideeffects (C), and anxiety(D) can
contribute, the most accurate explanation is the
normalphysiological changes ofthedying process.
The nurse should provide education and comfort
measures.
(2026)
Grand Canyon University | Complete 100-Question
Test Bank | Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | 100% Pass Guarantee
SECTION 1: PALLIATIVE CARE & END-OF-LIFE
(Questions 1–20)
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with end-stage
heart failure. The patient asks, "What is the
difference between palliative care and hospice
care?" Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
A) "Palliative care is only for patients who are
actively dying, while hospice care is for patients
with chronic illness."
,B) "Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of
life at any stage of illness, while hospice care is
specifically for patients with a life expectancy of 6
months or less."
C) "Hospice care is provided in the hospital only,
while palliative care is provided at home."
D) "There is no difference between palliative care
and hospice care."
Answer: B
Rationale: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary
approach that focuses on symptom management,
comfort, and quality of life for patients at any stage
of a serious illness, regardless of prognosis. Hospice
care is a specific type of palliative care provided to
patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less,
often focused on comfort at the end of life rather
than curative treatment. Option A is incorrect
because palliative care is not limited to actively
dying patients. Option C is incorrect because both
can be provided in various settings. Option D is
incorrect because while related, they are distinct.
,2. A patient with terminalcancer is receivingmorphine
for severe pain. The patient's respiratory rate drops to
8 breaths/min. What is theprioritynursing action?
A) Administer naloxone immediately
B) Stop themorphine infusion and notifythe provider
C) Place thepatientin Trendelenburg position
D) Encourage the patient to takedeep breaths
Answer: B
Rationale: The priority is to discontinue themorphine
infusion (orhold thenextdose) and notify the
provider. Naloxone(A) may be used if respiratory
depression is severe, but it isnotthe first action; it can
also reverse analgesia, causing increased pain.
Trendelenburg position (C) is not appropriate and may
worsen respiratory effort. Encouraging deep breaths
(D) is insufficient. The nurse should assess thepatient,
support breathing, and prepare to administer
naloxone if ordered.
3. A patient with end-stage COPDisreceiving hospice
care. The family asks thenurse,"Why is my fatherso
, restless and confused?" Which response by the nurse
is most appropriate?
A) "This is anormalpartof the dying process due to
decreased perfusion to thebrain."
B) "He is probably in pain and needs more
medication."
C) "He is experiencingdelirium from his medications."
D)"He is anxious about dying and needs to talk about
his feelings."
Answer: A
Rationale: Restlessness, confusion, and agitation are
common signs in theactivedyingphase due to
decreased oxygenation and perfusion to thebrain,
metabolic changes, and organ failure. While pain (B),
medication sideeffects (C), and anxiety(D) can
contribute, the most accurate explanation is the
normalphysiological changes ofthedying process.
The nurse should provide education and comfort
measures.
