Nightingale College BSN 425 | BSN425-
02 Gerontological Nursing 2025/2026 |
Palliative Care Quiz | Answered Score for
this quiz: 100 out of 100.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with advanced heart failure. The patient asks,
“What is the main goal of palliative care?” The nurse’s best response is:
A) “To cure the underlying disease.”
B) “To provide comfort and improve quality of life while managing
symptoms.”
C) “To discontinue all medications.”
D) “To prepare the patient for a nursing home.”
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Palliative care focuses on symptom relief, comfort, and quality of
life, regardless of prognosis. It can be provided alongside curative treatment.
2. A patient with end-stage COPD is receiving hospice care. The family asks
when hospice care can be initiated. The nurse explains hospice is
appropriate when:
A) The patient is expected to live more than 2 years.
B) The patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less if
the disease follows its usual course.
C) The patient requires surgery.
D) The patient is under 65 years of age.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Hospice eligibility under Medicare requires a physician-certified
prognosis of 6 months or less.
3. Which symptom is the most common and distressing for patients at the end
of life?
, A) Pruritus
B) Pain
C) Hiccups
D) Blurred vision
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Pain is among the most feared and prevalent symptoms at end of
life; effective pain management is a central component of palliative care.
4. A nurse is assessing pain in a non-verbal geriatric patient with advanced
dementia. The most appropriate tool is:
A) Numeric Rating Scale (0-10)
B) Wong-Baker FACES scale
C) PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale
D) Glasgow Coma Scale
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: PAINAD evaluates breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body
language, and consolability, providing an observational pain assessment for
non-verbal patients with dementia.
5. Which medication is most appropriate for a hospice patient experiencing
dyspnea?
A) Albuterol nebulizer
B) Low-dose oral morphine
C) High-dose fentanyl patch
D) Prednisone
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Opioids like morphine reduce the sensation of air hunger and
anxiety associated with dyspnea in palliative care, even without pain.
6. The nurse is teaching a student about the difference between palliative care
and hospice. Which statement is correct?
A) Palliative care is only for cancer patients.
B) Hospice is only provided in an inpatient facility.
, C) Palliative care can be offered at any stage of a serious illness, while
hospice is for patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less.
D) Hospice requires the patient to stop all treatments.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Palliative care is not limited by prognosis; it can be integrated
early. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for terminal prognosis.
7. A hospice patient develops noisy, gurgling respirations known as the “death
rattle.” The nurse should:
A) Administer IV diuretics.
B) Reposition the patient on their side and administer anticholinergic
medications (e.g., glycopyrrolate) if prescribed.
C) Suction the airway deeply.
D) Increase oral fluids.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Death rattle is caused by pooled secretions. Anticholinergics dry
secretions. Repositioning helps drainage; deep suctioning can be distressing
and is usually ineffective.
8. A patient on long-term opioids for cancer pain develops constipation. The
nurse anticipates a standing order for:
A) Loperamide
B) A stimulant laxative and stool softener (e.g., senna and docusate)
C) Bismuth subsalicylate
D) Opioid withdrawal
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Opioid-induced constipation is almost universal and does not
resolve spontaneously. Prophylactic bowel regimen with stimulant plus
softener is essential.
9. The family of a dying patient asks if they should continue to offer food and
fluids. The nurse’s best response is:
A) “You must feed him to prevent starvation.”
, B) “The body naturally slows down at end of life; forcing food and fluids can
cause discomfort. Offer small amounts if he is alert and interested.”
C) “Only IV fluids should be given.”
D) “Stop all oral intake to speed up the process.”
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Artificial nutrition and hydration are not typically beneficial at end
of life and may cause aspiration or fluid overload. Allow oral intake as
tolerated for pleasure.
10. Which of the following is a core component of a “good death” as
perceived by many patients?
A) Being heavily sedated and unaware
B) Being free from pain, having a sense of closure, and maintaining dignity
C) Dying in the ICU with aggressive interventions
D) Having no family present
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: A good death often includes pain and symptom control, clear
decision-making, preparation for death, and contributing to others.
11. A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who is experiencing spiritual
distress. The most appropriate intervention is:
A) Avoid the topic to prevent upset.
B) Provide presence, listen actively, and offer a chaplain referral.
C) Tell the patient to be positive.
D) Administer an anxiolytic immediately.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Spiritual care involves assessing needs, listening, and facilitating
connections with spiritual care providers. Active listening and presence are
core nursing interventions.
12. Which adjuvant medication is often added to an opioid regimen for
neuropathic cancer pain?
A) Acetaminophen
02 Gerontological Nursing 2025/2026 |
Palliative Care Quiz | Answered Score for
this quiz: 100 out of 100.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with advanced heart failure. The patient asks,
“What is the main goal of palliative care?” The nurse’s best response is:
A) “To cure the underlying disease.”
B) “To provide comfort and improve quality of life while managing
symptoms.”
C) “To discontinue all medications.”
D) “To prepare the patient for a nursing home.”
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Palliative care focuses on symptom relief, comfort, and quality of
life, regardless of prognosis. It can be provided alongside curative treatment.
2. A patient with end-stage COPD is receiving hospice care. The family asks
when hospice care can be initiated. The nurse explains hospice is
appropriate when:
A) The patient is expected to live more than 2 years.
B) The patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less if
the disease follows its usual course.
C) The patient requires surgery.
D) The patient is under 65 years of age.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Hospice eligibility under Medicare requires a physician-certified
prognosis of 6 months or less.
3. Which symptom is the most common and distressing for patients at the end
of life?
, A) Pruritus
B) Pain
C) Hiccups
D) Blurred vision
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Pain is among the most feared and prevalent symptoms at end of
life; effective pain management is a central component of palliative care.
4. A nurse is assessing pain in a non-verbal geriatric patient with advanced
dementia. The most appropriate tool is:
A) Numeric Rating Scale (0-10)
B) Wong-Baker FACES scale
C) PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale
D) Glasgow Coma Scale
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: PAINAD evaluates breathing, vocalization, facial expression, body
language, and consolability, providing an observational pain assessment for
non-verbal patients with dementia.
5. Which medication is most appropriate for a hospice patient experiencing
dyspnea?
A) Albuterol nebulizer
B) Low-dose oral morphine
C) High-dose fentanyl patch
D) Prednisone
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Opioids like morphine reduce the sensation of air hunger and
anxiety associated with dyspnea in palliative care, even without pain.
6. The nurse is teaching a student about the difference between palliative care
and hospice. Which statement is correct?
A) Palliative care is only for cancer patients.
B) Hospice is only provided in an inpatient facility.
, C) Palliative care can be offered at any stage of a serious illness, while
hospice is for patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less.
D) Hospice requires the patient to stop all treatments.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Palliative care is not limited by prognosis; it can be integrated
early. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for terminal prognosis.
7. A hospice patient develops noisy, gurgling respirations known as the “death
rattle.” The nurse should:
A) Administer IV diuretics.
B) Reposition the patient on their side and administer anticholinergic
medications (e.g., glycopyrrolate) if prescribed.
C) Suction the airway deeply.
D) Increase oral fluids.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Death rattle is caused by pooled secretions. Anticholinergics dry
secretions. Repositioning helps drainage; deep suctioning can be distressing
and is usually ineffective.
8. A patient on long-term opioids for cancer pain develops constipation. The
nurse anticipates a standing order for:
A) Loperamide
B) A stimulant laxative and stool softener (e.g., senna and docusate)
C) Bismuth subsalicylate
D) Opioid withdrawal
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Opioid-induced constipation is almost universal and does not
resolve spontaneously. Prophylactic bowel regimen with stimulant plus
softener is essential.
9. The family of a dying patient asks if they should continue to offer food and
fluids. The nurse’s best response is:
A) “You must feed him to prevent starvation.”
, B) “The body naturally slows down at end of life; forcing food and fluids can
cause discomfort. Offer small amounts if he is alert and interested.”
C) “Only IV fluids should be given.”
D) “Stop all oral intake to speed up the process.”
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Artificial nutrition and hydration are not typically beneficial at end
of life and may cause aspiration or fluid overload. Allow oral intake as
tolerated for pleasure.
10. Which of the following is a core component of a “good death” as
perceived by many patients?
A) Being heavily sedated and unaware
B) Being free from pain, having a sense of closure, and maintaining dignity
C) Dying in the ICU with aggressive interventions
D) Having no family present
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: A good death often includes pain and symptom control, clear
decision-making, preparation for death, and contributing to others.
11. A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who is experiencing spiritual
distress. The most appropriate intervention is:
A) Avoid the topic to prevent upset.
B) Provide presence, listen actively, and offer a chaplain referral.
C) Tell the patient to be positive.
D) Administer an anxiolytic immediately.
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Spiritual care involves assessing needs, listening, and facilitating
connections with spiritual care providers. Active listening and presence are
core nursing interventions.
12. Which adjuvant medication is often added to an opioid regimen for
neuropathic cancer pain?
A) Acetaminophen
