A patient has just been told that her illness is terminal. The patient tearfully states, I cant believe I am going to die. Why me? What is your best response?

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Question 1 of 5

A patient has just been told that her illness is terminal. The patient tearfully states, I cant believe I am going to die. Why me? What is your best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "This must be very difficult for you." This response acknowledges the patient's emotional state and shows empathy without making assumptions or dismissing their feelings. It validates the patient's emotions and opens up the opportunity for further discussion or support. Rationale: 1. A: "I know how you are feeling" assumes the tutor knows the exact emotions of the patient, which can come off as insincere or dismissive. 2. B: "You have lived a long life" does not address the patient's emotional distress or provide comfort in the face of a terminal illness. 3. D: "Life can be so unfair" does not directly address the patient's feelings and may come off as generic or cliché.

Question 2 of 5

The organization of a patients care on the palliative care unit is based on interdisciplinary collaboration. How does interdisciplinary collaboration differ from multidisciplinary practice?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Interdisciplinary collaboration involves clinicians from different backgrounds integrating their separate plans of care, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. This fosters a comprehensive understanding of the patient's needs and individualized care. In contrast, multidisciplinary practice involves clinicians working independently without integrating their plans, potentially leading to fragmented care. Choice A is incorrect as interdisciplinary collaboration does have a team leader to coordinate and facilitate communication among team members. Choice C is incorrect because while communication and cooperation are essential in interdisciplinary collaboration, the key distinction is the integration of different perspectives and plans of care. Choice D is incorrect as interdisciplinary collaboration goes beyond just medical expertise and patient preference, involving professionals from various disciplines working together to address all aspects of patient care.

Question 3 of 5

One of the functions of nursing care of the terminally ill is to support the patient and his or her family as they come to terms with the diagnosis and progression of the disease process. How should nurses support patients and their families during this process? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because understanding the illness from the patient's perspective helps nurses provide individualized care. By empathizing with the patient's experience, nurses can tailor support to meet their specific needs. Describing personal experiences (A) may not be appropriate as it shifts the focus from the patient. Encouraging fighting for a cure (B) may not align with the patient's wishes for quality of life. Assisting with life review (D) can be beneficial but may not be a priority for all patients. Providing interventions for end-of-life closure (E) is important, but understanding the illness from the patient's perspective (C) forms the foundation for effective support.

Question 4 of 5

A hospice nurse is caring for a 22-year-old with a terminal diagnosis of leukemia. When updating this patients plan of nursing care, what should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing realistic emotional preparation for death is a priority in caring for a patient with a terminal illness like leukemia. This helps the patient and their loved ones cope with the impending loss and make the most of the time left. Option A focuses solely on prolonging life, which may not align with the patient's wishes. Option B, providing financial advice, is important but not the top priority in this situation. Option D, maximizing family social interactions after the patient's death, is not immediate and does not address the patient's emotional needs.

Question 5 of 5

A patient who is receiving care for osteosarcoma has been experiencing severe pain since being diagnosed. As a result, the patient has been receiving analgesics on both a scheduled and PRN basis. For the past several hours, however, the patients level of consciousness has declined and she is now unresponsive. How should the patients pain control regimen be affected?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When a patient's level of consciousness declines and becomes unresponsive, it may indicate a potential overdose of analgesics. To ensure patient safety, IV analgesics should be withheld and replaced with transdermal analgesics, which provide a more controlled and gradual release of medication. This switch helps prevent further overdose and adverse effects. Continuing the current pain control regimen (Choice A) may worsen the situation. Placing the pain control regimen on hold (Choice B) may lead to inadequate pain management. Reducing analgesic dosages (Choice D) may not be sufficient in addressing the overdose issue.

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