End of Life and Palliative Care Flashcards
8 cards from real CAREGIVER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 8 End of Life and Palliative Care flashcards as text
What is the primary goal of hospice care?
Answer: To provide comfort and quality of life for those with a terminal illness and their families
Hospice care focuses on comfort, quality of life, and support for the patient and family rather than curative or life-prolonging treatment.
Which of the following is a physical sign that death may be approaching within hours to days?
Answer: Mottled, bluish-purple discoloration of the extremities
Mottling (mottled skin with bluish-purple discoloration) of the extremities indicates decreased circulation and is a sign of imminent death.
A resident on hospice is grimacing and appears to be in pain but is no longer able to verbally communicate. What should the caregiver do?
Answer: Use a behavioral pain scale and notify the nurse about observed signs of pain
Using a behavioral pain assessment tool and promptly notifying the nurse ensures appropriate pain management for a non-verbal patient.
What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order mean for a patient's care?
Answer: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation will not be attempted if the patient's heart stops or breathing ceases
A DNR order specifically means that CPR will not be performed if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest; it does not affect other care or comfort measures.
Which of the following best describes palliative care compared to hospice care?
Answer: Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of serious illness
Palliative care can be provided at any stage of serious illness alongside curative or life-prolonging treatment, while hospice is for those no longer pursuing curative treatment.
How should a caregiver support a family member who is grieving at the bedside of a dying resident?
Answer: Provide a quiet presence, offer tissues or water, and express condolences
Providing quiet presence, physical comfort, and sincere condolences supports grieving family members without dismissing or minimizing their grief.
A resident who is actively dying is showing Cheyne-Stokes breathing. What should the caregiver do?
Answer: Notify the nurse, provide comfort positioning, and remain with the resident
Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a normal end-of-life sign; the appropriate response is to notify the nurse, provide comfort, and remain present with the resident.
Which comfort measure is most appropriate for a hospice resident who has difficulty swallowing in the final days of life?
Answer: Provide frequent mouth care using swabs and mouth moisturizer
Frequent mouth care with swabs and moisturizer addresses the discomfort of dry mouth without the risks of aspiration or forced feeding in the actively dying.