AAC End-of-Life & Palliative Care 2

Question 1

Which document legally appoints a person to make healthcare decisions for someone with Alzheimer's who loses decision-making capacity?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for healthcare

Answer

A durable power of attorney for healthcare (healthcare proxy) designates a specific individual to make medical decisions when the person can no longer do so.

Question 2

A family insists on tube feeding for their mother with late-stage Alzheimer's despite evidence it does not prolong life comfortably. The care team's best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain that hand-feeding supports comfort and dignity without prolonging suffering

Answer

Evidence shows tube feeding in late-stage dementia does not improve survival or prevent aspiration and can cause discomfort, so hand-feeding is the recommended comfort-focused alternative.

Question 3

Pain assessment in a non-verbal Alzheimer's patient is BEST accomplished using:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral observation tools such as PAINAD

Answer

The PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale uses observable behaviors like facial grimacing and vocalizations to estimate pain in non-verbal patients.

Question 4

Which ethical principle is most central when honoring a person with Alzheimer's previously expressed wish to avoid aggressive life-prolonging treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy — respecting the individual's right to make their own decisions, including those made in advance — is the guiding principle when following prior directives.

Question 5

What is 'anticipatory grief' in the context of Alzheimer's caregiving?

Accepted Answer

Grief experienced before death in response to ongoing losses

Answer

Anticipatory grief occurs as caregivers mourn ongoing losses — of the person's personality, abilities, and the relationship — before the physical death occurs.

(AAC) Alzheimer's Association Certification Practice Test

(AAC) Alzheimer's Association Certification Practice Test

AAC End-of-Life & Palliative Care 2