End-of-Life Care Flashcards

Which of the following is a physical sign that death may be approaching within hours to days?

Answer: Mottling of the skin, cooling of extremities, and changes in breathing

Mottling (purplish blotchy skin discoloration), cooling of extremities, changes in breathing patterns, and decreased urine output are signs that death is approaching.

What is 'mottling' in the context of end-of-life care?

Answer: Blotchy, purplish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation

Mottling is a blotchy, irregular purplish discoloration of the skin caused by slowing circulation as the body shuts down, typically starting in the knees and feet.

After a patient's death, what is the nursing assistant's first responsibility?

Answer: Notify the supervising nurse and follow the agency's post-mortem care procedures

The nursing assistant should notify the supervising nurse immediately after a patient's death and follow the agency's protocols for post-mortem care.

Which of the following is appropriate post-mortem care by the nursing assistant?

Answer: Bathing the body, positioning it with dignity, and allowing family time

Post-mortem care includes bathing and positioning the body with dignity and respect, and allowing family members time to say goodbye before the body is removed.

What is the Kübler-Ross model in relation to end-of-life care?

Answer: Five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross described five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—that many dying patients and their families may experience.

When a family member is distraught at the bedside of a dying patient, the nursing assistant should:

Answer: Offer presence, a calm demeanor, and empathetic support; notify the nurse

The nursing assistant should offer compassionate presence and emotional support to distressed family members and notify the nurse for additional support resources.