End-of-Life Care Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'comfort kit' (also called emergency kit) in hospice home care?

Answer: To provide medications for common end-of-life symptoms like pain, anxiety, and secretions without waiting for a pharmacy

A comfort kit contains pre-prescribed medications for common end-of-life symptoms (pain, anxiety, secretions, nausea) so symptoms can be managed quickly in the home setting.

When performing personal hygiene on a patient in the final stage of life, the nursing assistant should prioritize:

Answer: Minimal handling to reduce discomfort, and maintaining dignity throughout

In the final stage of life, care should be gentle, minimize discomfort, and always preserve the patient's dignity and sense of self.

The term 'imminently dying' refers to a patient expected to die within:

Answer: Hours to days

Imminently dying means the patient is in the final hours to days of life, with observable physiological changes indicating death is very near.

Which skin change may indicate the body is shutting down?

Answer: Cool, pale, or mottled skin beginning in the extremities

As circulation decreases near death, the skin becomes cool and pale or develops mottled (blotchy purple-blue) discoloration beginning in the feet and knees.

Which action by the nursing assistant best supports patient dignity at end of life?

Answer: Maintaining privacy, speaking respectfully, and honoring personal and cultural preferences

Maintaining privacy, communicating with respect, and honoring personal, cultural, and spiritual preferences are fundamental ways the nursing assistant supports patient dignity.

What should the nursing assistant do if a patient expresses fear about dying?

Answer: Listen compassionately and notify the nurse or social worker for follow-up support

Active, compassionate listening and reporting the patient's emotional concerns to the nurse or social worker ensures the patient receives appropriate psychological and spiritual support.