End-of-Life & Palliative Care Flashcards
7 cards from real AAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 End-of-Life & Palliative Care flashcards as text
Which of the following is a hallmark sign of the active dying phase in a person with late-stage Alzheimer's?
Answer: Mottled skin and Cheyne-Stokes breathing
Mottled skin (livedo reticularis) and Cheyne-Stokes irregular breathing are classic signs that death is imminent, typically within hours to days.
In the hospice philosophy, the primary goal of care for a person with end-stage Alzheimer's is to:
Answer: Maximize comfort and quality of life
Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative or life-prolonging treatments.
Which team member is primarily responsible for addressing spiritual distress during the dying process?
Answer: The hospice chaplain or spiritual care provider
Chaplains and spiritual care providers are trained to address existential, religious, and spiritual distress for both patients and families during end of life.
When a person with Alzheimer's begins refusing all food and fluids, the care team should FIRST:
Answer: Assess for reversible causes such as dental pain or medication side effects
Before concluding refusal is a natural end-of-life process, caregivers should rule out treatable causes like mouth pain, dysphagia, depression, or uncomfortable positioning.
Which of the following BEST describes 'comfort-focused care' in late-stage Alzheimer's?
Answer: Care that prioritizes symptom relief and avoids burdensome interventions
Comfort-focused care minimizes painful or burdensome procedures and maximizes symptom management, emotional support, and dignity.
Bereavement support in the hospice model is typically provided to families for how long after the patient's death?
Answer: At least 13 months
Medicare hospice regulations require hospices to offer bereavement services to surviving family members for at least 13 months following the patient's death.
Which non-pharmacological intervention is MOST effective for reducing agitation in a person with Alzheimer's near the end of life?
Answer: Soft music, gentle touch, and a calm environment
Sensory comfort measures such as familiar music, gentle touch, and a quiet calm environment are evidence-based approaches to reducing agitation in advanced dementia.