Question 1

A preoperative patient says to the nurse, "I hope I wake up after surgery. I don't know what my family would do if I didn't." The nurse realizes this patient is demonstrating which potential problem?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement indicates that they are already processing the possibility of their own death and the impact it would have on their family, which can be a manifestation of anticipatory grieving. Coping, chronic sorrow, and death anxiety are all also potential problems in preoperative patients, but they are not specifically demonstrated by the patient's statement in this scenario.

Question 2

The family of a dying patient wants to help relieve the patient's progressive dyspnea. What should the nurse instruct the family to do for the patient?

Accepted Answer

Raising the head of the bed can help relieve dyspnea in dying patients by promoting better lung expansion and reducing pressure on the diaphragm. Lowering the head of the bed can actually worsen dyspnea by causing lung compression and increasing pressure on the diaphragm. Suctioning and chest physiotherapy are not recommended as they may cause discomfort and distress for the patient.

Question 3

A patient whose spouse passed away 5 years ago becomes severely depressed on holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. What should the nurse do to help this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient whose spouse passed away 5...

Question 4

During a home visit the nurse determines that a patient whose spouse died 10 months ago is demonstrating signs of grief resolution. What did the nurse assess to come to this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of During a home visit the nurse determines...

Question 5

The family of a dying patient states, "She has to be in pain, because all she does is moan." What should the nurse realize this family is doing?

Accepted Answer

Moaning in a dying patient can be a sign of agitation rather than pain. It's important for healthcare professionals to recognize and explain that such behaviors can have various causes, not solely pain.

Question 6

A patient who nearing the end of life is irritable and uncomfortable in bed. Which actions should the nurse take to make the patient more comfortable?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who nearing the end of...

Question 7

The nurse who provided care to a terminally ill patient does not want to spend any time with the grieving family and begins to provide care to another patient. What is this nurse demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse who provided care to a...

Question 8

A patient with a terminal illness says that when the pain becomes too unbearable he plans to take an overdose of pain medication and end it all. How should the nurse respond to this patient's plan?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient with a terminal illness says...

Question 9

A patient who has recently loss his spouse states, "I just can't cry." What should the nurse realize this patient is at risk for developing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who has recently loss his...

Question 10

A patient with a terminal illness is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. Which medications should the nurse consider appropriate for the patient at this time?

Accepted Answer

Both ondansetron and prochlorperazine are antiemetic medications that can effectively manage nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms in patients with terminal illness. Furosemide is a diuretic used to reduce excess fluid in the body, and meperidine and morphine sulfate are both analgesics used to manage pain, but neither of these medications are appropriate for managing nausea and vomiting.

Question 11

The patient states, "My husband is the person you should talk with if I am not able to make decisions about my care." What should the nurse realize the spouse has been designated to be?

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that the spouse has been designated as the healthcare surrogate, meaning that they have the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient if they are unable to do so themselves. The spouse may also have a copy of the patient's living will or be the person with durable power of attorney, but it is not clear from the statement.

Question 12

A dying patient tells the nurse, "Don't let my family leave me." What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement indicates a fear of dying alone and the need for the presence and support of family members during this difficult time.

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