,NSG 430 Exam 1 | Adult Health Nursing II | Grand
Canyon University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. A patient with inoperable lung cancer and a poor prognosis plans a cross-country trip to settle
unresolved issues with family members. The nurse recognizes that the patient is manifesting which
psychosocial response?
A) Protesting the unfairness of death
B) Anxiety about unfinished business
C) Fear of having lived a meaningless life
D) Restlessness about the uncertain prognosis
Correct Answer: Anxiety about unfinished business
Rationale: The patient's plan to settle unresolved family issues indicates anxiety about unfinished
business, a common psychosocial response at end of life. This reflects a desire for closure and peace
before death. There is no indication of protesting the prognosis, fear of a meaningless life, or
uncertainty about the prognosis.
2. A patient with terminal cancer is being admitted to a family-centered inpatient hospice. The patient's
spouse visits daily and cheerfully talks with the patient about wedding anniversary plans. Which nursing
action is most appropriate?
A) Redirecting the spouse to focus on the patient's current condition
B) Allowing the spouse to use this coping mechanism while providing support
C) Encouraging the spouse to express grief openly
D) Referring the spouse to a grief counselor immediately
Correct Answer: Allowing the spouse to use this coping mechanism while providing support
Rationale: The spouse's cheerful talk about future plans may be a coping mechanism to maintain
normalcy and hope. The nurse should allow this while providing supportive presence. Redirecting,
forcing grief expression, or immediate referral may disrupt the spouse's coping and is not indicated at
this time.
,3. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving palliative care. Which statement accurately describes the
difference between palliative care and hospice care?
A) Palliative care is only for patients with a terminal diagnosis, while hospice is for any patient with a life-
limiting illness
B) Palliative care can be provided concurrently with curative treatment, while hospice is for patients
with a prognosis of 6 months or less
C) Palliative care is provided only in inpatient settings, while hospice is provided only in the home
D) Hospice care focuses on symptom management, while palliative care focuses on cure
Correct Answer: Palliative care can be provided concurrently with curative treatment, while hospice is
for patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less
Rationale: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life and can be
provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of illness. Hospice care is a specific type of palliative
care for patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, where curative treatments are typically
discontinued.
4. A nurse is preparing to provide postmortem care for a patient who has died. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Removing all medical equipment from the room
B) Notifying the organ procurement organization
C) Placing the body in a supine position with arms at the sides
D) Determining if the family wishes to be present for the care
Correct Answer: Determining if the family wishes to be present for the care
Rationale: Before providing postmortem care, the nurse should determine if the family wishes to be
present. This respects the family's needs and allows them to participate in the care of their loved one if
desired. The other actions are part of postmortem care but should follow this initial step.
5. A patient with a life-limiting illness is experiencing dyspnea. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate for symptom management in palliative care?
A) Placing the patient in a supine position
, B) Administering opioids as prescribed to relieve the sensation of breathlessness
C) Encouraging the patient to ambulate to improve lung function
D) Restricting fluid intake to reduce pulmonary congestion
Correct Answer: Administering opioids as prescribed to relieve the sensation of breathlessness
Rationale: Opioids are effective in relieving the sensation of dyspnea in palliative care by reducing the
respiratory drive and anxiety. Supine positioning can worsen dyspnea, ambulation may be too
strenuous, and fluid restriction is not the primary intervention for dyspnea at end of life.
6. A nurse is explaining the concept of a "good death" to a group of nursing students. Which statement
best describes this concept?
A) A death that is pain-free and occurs in a hospital setting
B) A death that is free from avoidable distress and is in accordance with the patient's wishes
C) A death that occurs quickly without prolonged suffering
D) A death that is managed entirely by healthcare providers without family involvement
Correct Answer: A death that is free from avoidable distress and is in accordance with the patient's
wishes
Rationale: A "good death" is one that is free from avoidable distress, is consistent with the patient's
values and wishes, and involves a sense of control, dignity, and peace. It is not defined by location,
speed, or provider control, and family involvement is typically desired.
7. A patient with a terminal illness tells the nurse, "I don't want to be a burden to my family." Which
nursing response is most therapeutic?
A) "Your family loves you and wants to take care of you."
B) "Tell me more about what makes you feel that way."
C) "You shouldn't feel that way; you are not a burden."
D) "I will make sure your family does not feel burdened."
Canyon University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. A patient with inoperable lung cancer and a poor prognosis plans a cross-country trip to settle
unresolved issues with family members. The nurse recognizes that the patient is manifesting which
psychosocial response?
A) Protesting the unfairness of death
B) Anxiety about unfinished business
C) Fear of having lived a meaningless life
D) Restlessness about the uncertain prognosis
Correct Answer: Anxiety about unfinished business
Rationale: The patient's plan to settle unresolved family issues indicates anxiety about unfinished
business, a common psychosocial response at end of life. This reflects a desire for closure and peace
before death. There is no indication of protesting the prognosis, fear of a meaningless life, or
uncertainty about the prognosis.
2. A patient with terminal cancer is being admitted to a family-centered inpatient hospice. The patient's
spouse visits daily and cheerfully talks with the patient about wedding anniversary plans. Which nursing
action is most appropriate?
A) Redirecting the spouse to focus on the patient's current condition
B) Allowing the spouse to use this coping mechanism while providing support
C) Encouraging the spouse to express grief openly
D) Referring the spouse to a grief counselor immediately
Correct Answer: Allowing the spouse to use this coping mechanism while providing support
Rationale: The spouse's cheerful talk about future plans may be a coping mechanism to maintain
normalcy and hope. The nurse should allow this while providing supportive presence. Redirecting,
forcing grief expression, or immediate referral may disrupt the spouse's coping and is not indicated at
this time.
,3. A nurse is caring for a patient receiving palliative care. Which statement accurately describes the
difference between palliative care and hospice care?
A) Palliative care is only for patients with a terminal diagnosis, while hospice is for any patient with a life-
limiting illness
B) Palliative care can be provided concurrently with curative treatment, while hospice is for patients
with a prognosis of 6 months or less
C) Palliative care is provided only in inpatient settings, while hospice is provided only in the home
D) Hospice care focuses on symptom management, while palliative care focuses on cure
Correct Answer: Palliative care can be provided concurrently with curative treatment, while hospice is
for patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less
Rationale: Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life and can be
provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of illness. Hospice care is a specific type of palliative
care for patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, where curative treatments are typically
discontinued.
4. A nurse is preparing to provide postmortem care for a patient who has died. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Removing all medical equipment from the room
B) Notifying the organ procurement organization
C) Placing the body in a supine position with arms at the sides
D) Determining if the family wishes to be present for the care
Correct Answer: Determining if the family wishes to be present for the care
Rationale: Before providing postmortem care, the nurse should determine if the family wishes to be
present. This respects the family's needs and allows them to participate in the care of their loved one if
desired. The other actions are part of postmortem care but should follow this initial step.
5. A patient with a life-limiting illness is experiencing dyspnea. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate for symptom management in palliative care?
A) Placing the patient in a supine position
, B) Administering opioids as prescribed to relieve the sensation of breathlessness
C) Encouraging the patient to ambulate to improve lung function
D) Restricting fluid intake to reduce pulmonary congestion
Correct Answer: Administering opioids as prescribed to relieve the sensation of breathlessness
Rationale: Opioids are effective in relieving the sensation of dyspnea in palliative care by reducing the
respiratory drive and anxiety. Supine positioning can worsen dyspnea, ambulation may be too
strenuous, and fluid restriction is not the primary intervention for dyspnea at end of life.
6. A nurse is explaining the concept of a "good death" to a group of nursing students. Which statement
best describes this concept?
A) A death that is pain-free and occurs in a hospital setting
B) A death that is free from avoidable distress and is in accordance with the patient's wishes
C) A death that occurs quickly without prolonged suffering
D) A death that is managed entirely by healthcare providers without family involvement
Correct Answer: A death that is free from avoidable distress and is in accordance with the patient's
wishes
Rationale: A "good death" is one that is free from avoidable distress, is consistent with the patient's
values and wishes, and involves a sense of control, dignity, and peace. It is not defined by location,
speed, or provider control, and family involvement is typically desired.
7. A patient with a terminal illness tells the nurse, "I don't want to be a burden to my family." Which
nursing response is most therapeutic?
A) "Your family loves you and wants to take care of you."
B) "Tell me more about what makes you feel that way."
C) "You shouldn't feel that way; you are not a burden."
D) "I will make sure your family does not feel burdened."
