Adult-Gerontology CNS Test Palliative Care & End-of-Life

Question 1

What is the primary goal of palliative care for an adult-gerontology patient with a serious illness?

Accepted Answer

Relieve suffering and improve quality of life

Answer

Cure the underlying disease

Answer

Prolong life at all costs

Answer

Transition the patient to hospice immediately

Question 2

A CNS is selecting a tool to assess overall symptom burden in an older adult receiving palliative care. Which instrument is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Answer

Braden Scale

Answer

Morse Fall Scale

Question 3

Which medication is the recommended first-line opioid for moderate-to-severe cancer pain in palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Morphine

Answer

Tramadol

Answer

Codeine

Answer

Meperidine

Question 4

A patient with terminal cancer has a signed DNR order. Which ethical principle is most directly upheld by honoring this order?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 5

To be eligible for hospice care under Medicare, a patient's prognosis must be:

Accepted Answer

Less than 6 months if the disease runs its natural course

Answer

Less than 3 months if the disease runs its natural course

Answer

Less than 12 months if the disease runs its natural course

Answer

Less than 1 month if the disease runs its natural course

Question 6

A patient designates a family member to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Which advance directive accomplishes this?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for healthcare

Answer

Living will

Answer

Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Answer

Do-Not-Resuscitate order

Question 7

Cicely Saunders' concept of 'total pain' in palliative care encompasses which dimensions?

Accepted Answer

Physical, psychological, social, and spiritual

Answer

Physical and psychological only

Answer

Physical, cognitive, and functional

Answer

Psychological, spiritual, and financial