Caregiver End of Life and Palliative Care 2

Question 1

What is the primary difference between a DNR and a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)?

Accepted Answer

POLST covers a broader range of end-of-life wishes including intubation, hospitalization, and artificial nutrition

Answer

A DNR is only for hospital settings while POLST is for nursing homes only

Answer

A POLST is an informal request while a DNR is a legal document

Answer

There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable

Question 2

A caregiver notices a hospice resident has developed mottled, blue-gray skin on her knees and feet and has not urinated in 12 hours. What should the caregiver do?

Accepted Answer

Document observations and immediately notify the nurse

Answer

Apply warm compresses to restore circulation to the mottled areas

Answer

Increase fluid intake to stimulate kidney function

Answer

These are normal aging changes and require no action

Question 3

Which statement about providing care to a deceased resident before the family arrives is correct?

Accepted Answer

Post-mortem care should be performed according to facility policy with dignity and respect

Answer

The caregiver should leave the body untouched and exit the room immediately

Answer

The caregiver should remove all medical equipment and dress the body independently without guidance

Answer

Post-mortem care is only performed by licensed nurses

Question 4

What is the purpose of an advance directive?

Accepted Answer

To document a person's wishes for medical care if they become unable to speak for themselves

Answer

To authorize a caregiver to make financial decisions for a patient

Answer

To give family members the authority to override physician recommendations

Answer

To establish a plan for distributing assets after death

Question 5

When a resident expresses fear about dying, which response from a caregiver is most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

Sit with the resident, listen attentively, and acknowledge their feelings

Answer

Tell the resident not to worry because the medical team will take care of everything

Answer

Quickly reassure the resident that dying is painless and peaceful

Answer

Change the subject to something positive to distract from negative thoughts

Question 6

Which of the following medications is most commonly used for pain management in hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Opioids such as morphine

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Antibiotic therapy

Answer

Over-the-counter antacids

Question 7

What is bereavement support in the context of hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Emotional and counseling support provided to family members after the patient's death

Answer

Medical treatment for physical symptoms caused by grief

Answer

Financial assistance for funeral arrangements

Answer

Support provided only to the dying patient, not family members

Question 8

A hospice resident's family member asks the caregiver if their loved one is in pain. The caregiver has no formal pain assessment data. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you will check with the nurse who can perform a pain assessment and provide accurate information

Answer

Tell the family member confidently that the patient is not in pain

Answer

Describe your own personal observations but avoid involving the nurse

Answer

Avoid answering and change the subject