ACC End-of-Life Care and Palliative Support 3

Question 1

Why is it important to complete an advance directive early in the course of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Because the disease will eventually impair the person's ability to make and communicate decisions

Answer

To allow the physician to make all future care decisions without family input

Answer

To qualify for hospice care reimbursement sooner

Answer

To prevent family members from visiting the patient in later stages

Question 2

How should caregivers respond when an Alzheimer's patient in the final stage stops eating and drinking?

Accepted Answer

Understand this is a natural part of the dying process and focus on mouth care for comfort

Answer

Immediately insert a feeding tube to prevent malnutrition

Answer

Force fluids by mouth to keep the patient hydrated

Answer

Contact emergency services for urgent hospitalization

Question 3

Which of the following best describes anticipatory grief in the context of Alzheimer's caregiving?

Accepted Answer

A caregiver's grief that occurs before the patient's death, often starting with the diagnosis

Answer

Grief that only begins after the patient has died

Answer

A formal therapy program offered by hospice organizations

Answer

Grief experienced exclusively by the patient in the early stages

Question 4

What is a meaningful way caregivers can address the spiritual needs of a dying Alzheimer's patient?

Accepted Answer

Honor the patient's spiritual or religious background through familiar prayers, music, or rituals

Answer

Avoid any discussion of religion or spirituality to prevent confusion

Answer

Require the patient to attend religious services regardless of their condition

Answer

Rely solely on the patient's physician to address spiritual concerns

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'life review' or 'legacy project' as part of end-of-life care for Alzheimer's patients?

Accepted Answer

To help the patient and family find meaning, preserve memories, and achieve a sense of closure

Answer

To assess the patient's cognitive decline for medical records

Answer

To document property and financial assets for estate planning

Answer

To evaluate whether the patient is eligible for additional treatments

Question 6

What is a common emotional response caregivers may experience after the death of an Alzheimer's patient they have cared for over many years?

Accepted Answer

A mix of grief, relief, and guilt, which are all normal responses

Answer

Immediate and complete emotional resolution with no grief

Answer

Intense anger directed at the hospice team for allowing the death to occur

Answer

Complete indifference, since the caregiver anticipated the death

Question 7

Which of the following best supports the caregiver's own well-being during the end-of-life phase of caring for an Alzheimer's patient?

Accepted Answer

Accessing bereavement counseling, support groups, and respite services

Answer

Taking on all caregiving responsibilities alone without seeking outside help

Answer

Suppressing emotions to remain strong and avoid distressing the patient

Answer

Discontinuing self-care activities to devote maximum time to the patient