Module 16: Death and Dying

You are caring for Eva when they tell you that their brother has just died of cancer. They state that if their brother’s doctor had “caught it faster, they would still be alive.” The stage of grief that Eva is most likely experiencing is

• acceptance.

• denial.

• bargaining.

• anger.

You have noticed that your resident has been breathing very rapidly and shallowly, followed by slow, deep breaths. The resident is showing signs of

• a) a “death rattle.”

• b) mottling.

• c) Cheyne-Stokes breathing.

• d) low blood pressure.

When preparing a body for postmortem transfer, the Nurse Assistant should first:

• Cover the patient’s/resident’s body and head with a clean sheet

• Straighten the body in supine position

• Maintain the patient’s/resident’s body positions and elevate the head

• Provide bright lighting when the family members arrive

One of the signs of biological death would include:

• Bradycardia (slow heart beat)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Lack of respirations (patient/resident is not breathing)

• Agitation (patient/resident is active and jumpy)

After a resident dies, the nurse’s responsibilities include

• a) listening for a heartbeat and updating the doctor.

• b) pronouncing the time of death.

• c) asking the family to call their funeral director.

• d) tidying up the resident’s room.

You should provide oral care for a resident who is dying

• each time you reposition them.

• two or three times a day.

• every 15 minutes.

• only when the resident requests.

The daughter of a patient/resident who has just died says to the Nurse Assistant, “My father can’t be dead. It just isn’t possible.” Which of the following would be the best response for the Nurse Assistant to make?

• “Didn’t you know that your father was very sick?”

• “Would you like me to call the mortuary for you?”

• “This must be very hard for you”

• “I will talk to the nurse in charge”

You are caring for Faith, a resident who is dying of kidney failure. Their family has been keeping a vigil at the bedside. Tonight, they seem especially upset and start shouting at each other while still in Faith’s room. After making sure Faith is safe, the FIRST thing you should do is

• a) ask the family members to leave the facility.

• b) dial 911 and report an emergency.

• c) immediately report to the nurse for directives.

• d) ask the nurse if a counselor is available.

Mrs. O’Leary always keeps her rosary and medals with her at all times. These objects should be:

• Ignored since it is better to avoid discussion about religion

• Placed on bedside table where she can’t get to it

• Removed as soon as she goes to sleep so they are not lost

• Left with Mrs. O’Leary and handled as valuable items

When caring for a dying patient/resident, the Nurse Assistant should expect:

• The patient/resident to be alert

• Vital signs to be normal

• Breathing to be irregular

• Temperature to be unchanged