Question 1

A patient who had a below-the-knee amputation 2 months ago is seen walking with a new limb prosthesis and returning to work. What does the nurse realize about this patient?

Accepted Answer

The patient returning to work with a new limb prosthesis indicates that they are adjusting well to their amputation and have completed the work of mourning the loss of the limb. They have accepted the changes and are moving forward with their life.

Question 2

A patient who has just lost her spouse asks the nurse how long it will be until she feels like living again. The nurse realizes this patient has to work through which phases of the grieving process according to Bowlby?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who has just lost her...

Question 3

The nurse, reviewing data for a patient receiving hospice, believes death is imminent. Which manifestations of impending death did the nurse observe on the patient's medical record? (Review the information provided from the patient's medical record.)

Accepted Answer

Vital signs and skin appearance are two of the most common indicators that death is imminent. Other signs may include decreased appetite, confusion, and changes in breathing patterns. However, based on the given options, only A is a valid choice.

Question 4

The nurse is assessing a dying patient's spiritual beliefs about death. Which acronym represents topics the nurse can use to help with this assessment process?

Accepted Answer

FICA is a commonly used acronym to assess a patient's spiritual beliefs about death. It stands for Faith or Belief, Importance, Community, and Address/Interventions. This acronym can help the nurse understand the patient's spiritual needs and preferences for interventions or support during the dying process.

Question 5

A patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is prescribed strict intake and output. During the last shift, the patient received 1 liter of 0.9% normal saline; two 50-milliliter doses of morphine sulfate in 0.9% normal saline; 3 ounces water. What should the nurse calculate this patient's total intake for the previous shift to be?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is...

Question 6

The sibling of a patient who is nearing death has insisted on intravenous fluids because "My brother wants to live." Which findings should the nurse expect when assessing this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The sibling of a patient who is...

Question 7

The nurse suspects a patient is in the final stages of the dying process. What manifestations did the nurse assess in this patient?

Accepted Answer

A change in level of consciousness is a common manifestation in the final stages of the dying process. The patient may become less responsive or unresponsive. Urinary incontinence can occur as the body begins to shut down and lose control of bodily functions. An irregular heart rate is also common in the final stages of the dying process as the body struggles to maintain its functions. Sudden increase in taste and smell or increased blood pressure are not typically associated with the dying process.

Question 8

A patient being treated for terminal cancer is prescribed morphine sulfate through a continuous intravenous infusion. The pharmacy is requesting the patient's current weight in kilograms. During the last measurement, the patient's weight was documented as 128 lbs. What should the nurse calculate this patient's weight in kg to be?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient being treated for terminal cancer...

Question 9

A patient in the final stages of colon cancer is demonstrating Cheyne-Stokes respirations. To assess these respirations, the nurse should auscultate breath sounds over which area of the thorax? (Click the cursor over the location where the stethoscope should be placed.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient in the final stages of...

Question 10

A young adult male patient diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer tells the nurse that if he lets his hair grow, God will cure him. What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

B) This scenario is indicative of the bargaining stage of grief, where the patient is making a deal or bargain in the hope of changing the outcome of his terminal illness. It's a way to postpone the acknowledgment of the loss.D) Bargaining with a higher power or God is a recognized stage in the grieving process, reflecting an attempt to negotiate for an extension of life or a cure. It's a normal psychological response to the threat of death or significant loss.

Question 11

The nurse is instructing others on the use of hospice care. Which statements would indicate to the nurse that the teaching session has been effective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is instructing others on the...

Question 12

A patient tells the nurse, "I dread going on after the divorce is final. I have no idea how I am going to manage financially or emotionally." The nurse realizes this patient is demonstrating which aspect of Caplan's stress and loss theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient tells the nurse, "I dread...

Question 13

A patient diagnosed with testicular cancer tells the nurse that he does not believe he has cancer. The nurse realizes that the patient may be progressing through the stages of grief. Place in order the stages of grief. 
A) depression 
B) acceptance 
C) anger
D) denial 
E) bargaining
F) non of the above.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient diagnosed with testicular cancer tells...

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a patient who is nearing death from a terminal illness. The patient is experiencing secretions in the back of the throat and dyspnea. Which medications should the nurse provide to assist this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for a patient...

Question 15

A patient is explaining her experiences after the sudden death of her daughter a few years ago. If Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's sequence is applied, in which order did the patient experience the stages of death and dying? Rank the patient's statements in the order they would have been made.

Accepted Answer

The patient first experienced denial (C) by holding onto the belief that her daughter is still alive and will come back. She then moved onto anger (E) as she struggled with the reality of her daughter's death. The patient then experienced depression (D) which can be seen in her statement about not being able to get out of bed. Bargaining (A) occurred when the patient tried to make a deal with God to bring her daughter back. Finally, the patient demonstrates acceptance through her statement about using her experiences to help other parents (B).

Question 16

The spouse of a former patient tells the nurse that he has joined a support group to help with the loss of his wife. The nurse realizes this patient is in which phase of Engel's grief process?

Accepted Answer

Restitution phase in Engel's grief process involves the rituals surrounding loss, including religious, cultural, or social expressions of mourning. Joining a support group can be part of the restitution phase, where the individual seeks community and shared experiences to help process the loss.

Question 17

A patient who is a recent widow states, "I wanted to ask him for a divorce and then he died." What should the nurse realize this patient is at risk for developing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who is a recent widow...

Question 18

A patient of Mexican American descent is dying. Which statements by the patient's only son are expected?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient of Mexican American descent is...

Question 19

A patient tells the nurse, "My husband left me to be with God." What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "left me to be with God" is a regional or cultural expression used to describe death, indicating a difference in how death is expressed.

Question 20

A patient diagnosed with terminal cancer tells the nurse that she knows everything about a living will. Upon assessment, the nurse realizes the patient needs additional instruction on this type of advance directive when the patient makes which statements?

Accepted Answer

A living will specifically allows an individual to outline their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and cannot communicate their decisions. It does not involve designating someone to make decisions on their behalf; that role is typically designated in a separate document known as a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Choices A, B, D, and E all contain misconceptions about the purpose and function of a living will.

Quiz 5: Nursing Care of Patients Experiencing Loss, Grief, and Death