Exam 17: Loss, Grief, Dying

When providing postmortem care, the nurse places dentures in the mouth and closes the eyes and mouth of the patient within 2 to 4 hours after death. Why is the timing of the action so important?

A patient's wife has told nurses that she wants to be with her husband when he dies. The patient's respirations are irregular, and he is congested. The wife tells the nurse that she would like to go home to shower but that she is afraid her husband might die before she returns. Which response by the nurse is best?

For the majority of grief theories and models, which response typically occurs in the initial stage/phase?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has cancer and is terminally ill. What are the most appropriate actions by the nurse in providing end-of-life care that will address the patient's spiritual needs? Select all that apply.

Nurses frequently encounter death of patients in many healthcare settings. What are some strategies nurses can use to better care for themselves when dealing with death and the dying? Select all that apply.

Which sign would the nurse observe in a client who is days to hours before death?

Which statement best describes the difference between a "DNAR" and an "AND" order?

During a health history, a patient whose wife died unexpectedly 6 months ago in a motor vehicle accident admits to drinking at least six bourbon and waters every night before going to bed. Which type of grief does this best illustrate?

The nurse is caring for an unresponsive, near-death patient in the intensive care unit, and it is unclear whether or not this patient is an organ donor. The family states, "I think he put 'organ donor' on his license but we don't want to donate his organs." What is the nurse's priority action at this time?

Which warning signs would indicate that a child needs professional help after the death of a loved one? Select all that apply.

For a patient to be eligible for insurance benefits covering hospice care, a physician must certify which conditions? Select all that apply.

Throughout the course of the illness, a patient has denied its seriousness, even though the health professionals have explained prognosis of death very clearly. Physiological signs now indicate that the patient will probably die, but the patient is still firmly in a state of emotional denial. The patient says to the nurse, "Tell my wife to stop hovering and go home. I'm going to be fine." How should the nurse respond?

Which patient is at most risk for experiencing difficult grieving?

The American Nurses Association (ANA) lists recommendations concerning DNARs and ANDs. Which statements indicate the nurse has a correct understanding of the ANA recommendations? Select all that apply.

Which intervention takes priority for the patient receiving hospice care?

Which nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care for a patient dying of cancer?

A male patient dying of heart failure has changed his choice about end-of-life treatment measures several times. He says, "I just can't make up my mind about it." Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?

Which patient goal is most appropriate when managing the patient dying of cancer? The patient will:

Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate when a patient who is dying develops a "death rattle"?

A 73-year-old female patient who suffered a stroke is being transferred from the acute care hospital to a nursing home for ongoing care because she is unable to care for herself at home. Which type of loss is this patient most likely experiencing?