Chapter 15: End-of-Life Care Williams: Basic Geriatric Nursing, 7th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. What does an advance directive indicate to the home health nurse? a. The degree of intervention desired for life support b. Who is to manage medical decisions in case of debilitating illness c. Who will manage finances in case of debilitating illness d. The mortuary to be used in the case of death ANS: A 2. The totally competent 76-year-old female with terminal cancer is fatigued and tearful about the ineffectiveness of her treatment. She tells the nurse that she wishes she had never started it but now feels obligated to continue. What would be the most appropriate explanation by the nurse regarding the treatment? a. Once treatment has begun, the doctor should decide about any changes. b. She may change her mind about treatment at any time. c. Decisions about treatment should be made by the person who is her medical power of attorney. d. Cessation of treatment will shorten her life. ANS: B 3. Why might a professional health care provider neglect to educate patients about end-of-life care? a. They fear that patients will perceive that they are giving up. b. They do not want to influence the patient in any decision. c. They want to keep up the patient’s morale. d. They believe that death is a personal failure on their part. ANS: D 4. Why should an 86-year-old man with a terminal illness be encouraged to file an advance directive? a. To demonstrate understanding of his imminent death b. To comply with most hospital policies c. To clarify treatment protocols d. To indicate his wishes regarding end-of-life decisions ANS: D 5. Which patient would be a candidate for hospice care? a. The patient with a life expectancy of only 12 months. b. The patient who agrees to life support. c. The patient who agrees to palliative measures. d. The patient who has a treatable illness. ANS: C