Chapter 38: End-of-Life Care (Summary)

What is a terminal illness?

• A curable condition

• A progressive, incurable condition expected to result in death

• A temporary illness

• A contagious disease

What role do nurses play in end-of-life care?

• Nurses play a vital role in easing suffering, advocating for dignity, and supporting patients and families through the final stage of life.

• Nurses are only responsible for administering medication and have no involvement in emotional support.

• Nurses primarily focus on paperwork and administrative tasks during end-of-life care.

• Nurses are not involved in end-of-life care decisions or patient advocacy.

Which of the following is NOT one of Kübler-Ross’ Five Stages of Dying?

• Denial

• Anger

• Happiness

• Acceptance

Fill in the blank: The five stages of dying according to Kübler-Ross are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and ________.

• Acceptance

• Rejection

• Confusion

• Isolation

Individuals always move through the five stages of dying in order and never revisit earlier stages.

• True

• False

Which of the following is a right asserted by the Dying Person’s Bill of Rights?

• Be treated with dignity

• Be ignored

• Be left alone

• Be denied pain relief

Fill in the blank: The Dying Person’s Bill of Rights asserts the right to be heard, understood, and not ________.

• abandoned

• ignored

• judged

• forgotten

List two responsibilities of nurses in end-of-life care.

• Communicate honestly and empathetically; Offer support to both patient and family

• Administer only pain medication; Avoid discussing prognosis

• Focus solely on medical procedures; Limit family involvement

• Encourage denial of illness; Withhold emotional support

Nurses should communicate honestly and empathetically with patients and families during end-of-life care.

• True

• False

What is the primary focus of hospice care?

• Cure

• Comfort

• Rehabilitation

• Prevention