GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant End-of-Life Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the primary philosophy of hospice care?

Accepted Answer

To focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when a cure is not possible.

Answer

To aggressively treat the resident's illness and prolong life at all costs.

Answer

To provide curative treatments only in a specialized hospital setting.

Answer

To assist the family with legal and financial matters after the resident's death.

Question 2

A GNA is caring for a resident who is actively dying. Which of the following are common physical signs that death is approaching?

Accepted Answer

Irregular breathing patterns (like Cheyne-Stokes) and mottling of the skin.

Answer

Increased appetite and high energy levels.

Answer

Warm, pink skin and a strong, regular pulse.

Answer

Clear, loud speech and increased interest in social activities.

Question 3

When providing postmortem care for a resident who has just passed away, what is a primary responsibility of the GNA?

Accepted Answer

Treating the body with dignity while performing a final bath and positioning.

Answer

Completing the official death certificate for the facility's records.

Answer

Informing the resident's family members of the death.

Answer

Removing all intravenous lines and medical tubing from the body.

Question 4

A resident receiving end-of-life care tells the GNA, "I'm so scared of dying." What is the MOST therapeutic response from the GNA?

Accepted Answer

"Would you like to talk about what is making you feel scared?"

Answer

"Don't be scared, we will take great care of you."

Answer

"We all have to go sometime. You should try not to think about it."

Answer

"I will let the nurse know so they can talk to you about it."

Question 5

A resident has a legal document that outlines their wishes for medical treatment, such as the use of life-sustaining measures, in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This document is known as:

Accepted Answer

An advance directive.

Answer

A last will and testament.

Answer

An informed consent form.

Answer

A facility incident report.

Question 6

A GNA is caring for an unconscious resident who is near death and has a dry mouth with crusted lips. Which comfort measure is most appropriate for the GNA to perform?

Accepted Answer

Gently apply a moisturizing swab to the resident's lips and inside of the mouth.

Answer

Attempt to give the resident small sips of water from a cup.

Answer

Ignore the dry mouth since the resident is unconscious.

Answer

Use a hard-bristled toothbrush to scrub the resident's teeth and gums.