NUR 2214 Week 10 Quiz V3 | NUR 2214
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 10
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in the final stages of terminal lung
cancer. The patient’s family asks about the primary purpose of palliative care. Which
response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Palliative care is designed to provide aggressive treatment to cure the underlying
disease.
B. Palliative care is only available to patients who have less than six months to live.
C. Palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving the quality of life for
patients with serious illnesses.
D. Palliative care is intended to replace all other medical treatments the patient is
receiving.
Answer: C
Rationale: Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care for people living with a
serious illness. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness,
regardless of the diagnosis. The primary goal is to improve quality of life for both the
patient and the family by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
,2. The nurse is assessing a dying patient and notes a pattern of breathing characterized by
alternating periods of apnea and hyperventilation. How should the nurse document this
finding?
A. Kussmaul respirations
B. Biot’s respirations
C. Bradypnea
D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Answer: D
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a gradual increase in depth
and sometimes rate to a maximum, followed by a decrease, resulting in apnea. This pattern
is common in patients who are approaching death due to decreased sensitivity to carbon
dioxide levels. The nurse should inform the family that this is a normal part of the dying
process to alleviate their anxiety.
3. Which legal document allows an individual to appoint a specific person to make medical
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
A. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
B. Living Will
C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
D. Patient Bill of Rights
,Answer: C
Rationale: A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, also known as a healthcare proxy,
designates an agent to make decisions when the patient cannot. Unlike a living will, which
specifies certain treatments, the proxy can make decisions based on the patient’s known
values in diverse situations. This document is essential for ensuring that the patient’s
wishes are advocated for by a trusted individual.
4. A hospice nurse is providing end-of-life care for a patient experiencing terminal congestion,
often referred to as the ‘death rattle.’ Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Administer anticholinergic medications such as scopolamine or atropine.
B. Perform deep oropharyngeal suctioning every hour.
C. Encourage the patient to drink large amounts of fluids.
D. Place the patient in a supine position to facilitate drainage.
Answer: A
Rationale: Terminal congestion is caused by the accumulation of secretions in the pharynx
and upper airways when the patient is too weak to clear them. Anticholinergic drugs help
by drying up these secretions, which reduces the gurgling sound that can be distressing to
families. Suctioning is generally avoided as it can be invasive and cause increased agitation
in a dying patient.
, 5. When providing post-mortem care, which action should the nurse take to prepare the body
for the family’s viewing?
A. Close the patient’s eyes and place dentures in the mouth if applicable.
B. Place the body in a prone position to prevent facial discoloration.
C. Remove all tubes and lines regardless of whether an autopsy is ordered.
D. Wrap the body tightly in a shroud before the family arrives.
Answer: A
Rationale: Post-mortem care involves preparing the body to look as natural as possible for
the family. Closing the eyes and inserting dentures helps maintain the patient’s normal
facial appearance. The nurse should also wash the body, comb the hair, and place a clean
gown on the patient to provide a dignified final image.
6. A patient with end-stage heart failure is admitted to hospice. The family asks how long the
patient can receive hospice services. What is the correct criteria for hospice eligibility?
A. The patient must be in the hospital to receive hospice care.
B. Hospice care is only for patients who have private insurance coverage.
C. A physician must certify that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
D. The patient must agree to continue all life-prolonging treatments while on hospice.
Answer: C
Nursing Care of the Older Adult | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NUR2214 Week 10
Quiz) | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is in the final stages of terminal lung
cancer. The patient’s family asks about the primary purpose of palliative care. Which
response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Palliative care is designed to provide aggressive treatment to cure the underlying
disease.
B. Palliative care is only available to patients who have less than six months to live.
C. Palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving the quality of life for
patients with serious illnesses.
D. Palliative care is intended to replace all other medical treatments the patient is
receiving.
Answer: C
Rationale: Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care for people living with a
serious illness. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness,
regardless of the diagnosis. The primary goal is to improve quality of life for both the
patient and the family by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
,2. The nurse is assessing a dying patient and notes a pattern of breathing characterized by
alternating periods of apnea and hyperventilation. How should the nurse document this
finding?
A. Kussmaul respirations
B. Biot’s respirations
C. Bradypnea
D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
Answer: D
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a gradual increase in depth
and sometimes rate to a maximum, followed by a decrease, resulting in apnea. This pattern
is common in patients who are approaching death due to decreased sensitivity to carbon
dioxide levels. The nurse should inform the family that this is a normal part of the dying
process to alleviate their anxiety.
3. Which legal document allows an individual to appoint a specific person to make medical
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
A. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
B. Living Will
C. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
D. Patient Bill of Rights
,Answer: C
Rationale: A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, also known as a healthcare proxy,
designates an agent to make decisions when the patient cannot. Unlike a living will, which
specifies certain treatments, the proxy can make decisions based on the patient’s known
values in diverse situations. This document is essential for ensuring that the patient’s
wishes are advocated for by a trusted individual.
4. A hospice nurse is providing end-of-life care for a patient experiencing terminal congestion,
often referred to as the ‘death rattle.’ Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Administer anticholinergic medications such as scopolamine or atropine.
B. Perform deep oropharyngeal suctioning every hour.
C. Encourage the patient to drink large amounts of fluids.
D. Place the patient in a supine position to facilitate drainage.
Answer: A
Rationale: Terminal congestion is caused by the accumulation of secretions in the pharynx
and upper airways when the patient is too weak to clear them. Anticholinergic drugs help
by drying up these secretions, which reduces the gurgling sound that can be distressing to
families. Suctioning is generally avoided as it can be invasive and cause increased agitation
in a dying patient.
, 5. When providing post-mortem care, which action should the nurse take to prepare the body
for the family’s viewing?
A. Close the patient’s eyes and place dentures in the mouth if applicable.
B. Place the body in a prone position to prevent facial discoloration.
C. Remove all tubes and lines regardless of whether an autopsy is ordered.
D. Wrap the body tightly in a shroud before the family arrives.
Answer: A
Rationale: Post-mortem care involves preparing the body to look as natural as possible for
the family. Closing the eyes and inserting dentures helps maintain the patient’s normal
facial appearance. The nurse should also wash the body, comb the hair, and place a clean
gown on the patient to provide a dignified final image.
6. A patient with end-stage heart failure is admitted to hospice. The family asks how long the
patient can receive hospice services. What is the correct criteria for hospice eligibility?
A. The patient must be in the hospital to receive hospice care.
B. Hospice care is only for patients who have private insurance coverage.
C. A physician must certify that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
D. The patient must agree to continue all life-prolonging treatments while on hospice.
Answer: C
