ACC End-of-Life Care and Palliative Support

Question 1

What is the primary goal of palliative care for Alzheimer's patients?

Accepted Answer

To provide comfort, relieve suffering, and improve quality of life

Answer

To cure the underlying disease and restore cognitive function

Answer

To delay placement in a long-term care facility

Answer

To administer aggressive medical treatments to prolong life

Question 2

Which document allows a person with Alzheimer's disease to specify their wishes for end-of-life medical care while they are still able to make decisions?

Accepted Answer

A living will or advance directive

Answer

A power of attorney for financial matters

Answer

A do-not-distribute order

Answer

A HIPAA release form

Question 3

At what stage of Alzheimer's disease is it most appropriate to begin discussing end-of-life care planning with the patient and family?

Accepted Answer

In the early stage, when the patient can still participate in decision-making

Answer

Only in the late stage when the patient is unresponsive

Answer

After the patient has been placed in a memory care facility

Answer

When the physician estimates less than one week of life remaining

Question 4

What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order indicate for an Alzheimer's patient?

Accepted Answer

Caregivers should not attempt CPR if the patient's heart stops

Answer

The patient refuses all forms of medication

Answer

The patient does not wish to be admitted to a hospital

Answer

Medical staff should not communicate with family members

Question 5

Which of the following is a common physical sign that an Alzheimer's patient may be approaching the end of life?

Accepted Answer

Decreased urine output and mottled skin

Answer

Increased appetite and weight gain

Answer

Improved orientation and recognition of family

Answer

Higher energy levels and increased mobility

Question 6

Which approach is most appropriate when providing comfort care to a non-verbal, late-stage Alzheimer's patient?

Accepted Answer

Using gentle touch, soothing voice, and familiar music to provide comfort

Answer

Limiting physical touch to avoid overstimulation

Answer

Focusing only on medical interventions to manage physical symptoms

Answer

Reducing family visits to minimize emotional distress for the patient

Question 7

What is the primary distinction between hospice care and standard palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is for patients expected to live six months or less and foregoes curative treatment

Answer

Hospice care includes curative treatments while palliative care does not

Answer

Palliative care is only available in hospitals, while hospice is only at home

Answer

Palliative care requires a DNR order while hospice does not