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
What does the term 'good death' mean in the context of Alzheimer's end-of-life care?
Answer: A death that aligns with the person's values, is free from unnecessary pain, and supports family
A 'good death' in dementia care involves adequate pain and symptom control, respect for the individual's values, emotional support, and family presence when desired.
Which of the following should trigger a referral to hospice for a person with Alzheimer's disease?
Answer: Loss of ability to walk, dress, and bathe, with significant weight loss and recurrent infections
Hospice eligibility for dementia typically requires stage 7 decline on the FAST scale, loss of all ADLs, weight loss, and co-occurring complications like infections or aspiration.
In end-of-life care for Alzheimer's patients, which action BEST respects cultural diversity?
Answer: Asking about the family's cultural and religious beliefs and incorporating them into the care plan
Culturally competent palliative care requires asking about and integrating individual cultural, religious, and family preferences into end-of-life planning and practice.
Terminal restlessness (terminal agitation) near death is BEST described as:
Answer: A common neurological phenomenon in the final hours or days of life marked by agitation and confusion
Terminal restlessness is a common, distressing syndrome in the final hours to days of life, likely caused by metabolic changes, and is treated with sedating comfort medications.
Which of the following medications is MOST commonly used to manage secretions and the 'death rattle' in a dying Alzheimer's patient?
Answer: Glycopyrrolate or hyoscine (scopolamine)
Anticholinergic agents like glycopyrrolate or scopolamine reduce saliva and respiratory secretions that cause the audible 'death rattle,' improving comfort and family distress.
When a person with Alzheimer's has no advance directive and no identifiable surrogate, who typically makes healthcare decisions?
Answer: The attending physician following the patient's best interest standard and institutional ethics protocols
Without a directive or surrogate, the physician uses the best interest standard guided by ethics consultation, and courts may appoint a public guardian if needed.
Which of the following BEST explains why Alzheimer's disease is now considered a terminal illness?
Answer: The disease itself directly causes irreversible brain failure that ultimately leads to death
Alzheimer's disease directly destroys neurons controlling all vital functions, and its progressive, irreversible course ultimately leads to death, qualifying it as a terminal illness.