CHPNA Pain and Symptom Management 2

Question 1

Dyspnea in a dying patient is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The subjective sensation of difficulty or discomfort in breathing

Answer

A normal side effect of all medications

Answer

Only occurring in patients with lung disease

Answer

Always accompanied by low oxygen saturation

Question 2

Which of the following comfort measures can help a patient experiencing dyspnea?

Accepted Answer

Positioning the patient upright and using a fan directed at the face

Answer

Placing the patient flat in bed

Answer

Administering a diuretic medication

Answer

Increasing oral fluid intake

Question 3

What is 'death rattle' and how should the nursing assistant respond?

Accepted Answer

Noisy breathing from secretions in the throat; reposition gently and reassure the family

Answer

A type of cardiac arrhythmia; call 911

Answer

A sign of pain; administer pain medication immediately

Answer

Normal snoring; no action needed

Question 4

Constipation in hospice patients is most commonly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Opioid medications, reduced mobility, and decreased intake

Answer

Excessive fluid intake

Answer

Antibiotic use

Answer

High-fiber diet

Question 5

Which symptom is characterized by a persistent feeling of nausea and inability to eat?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia-cachexia syndrome

Answer

Hyperglycemia

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Dehydration alone

Question 6

What is the most important action a nursing assistant can take when a patient reports new or worsening symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Document the symptom and immediately notify the supervising nurse

Answer

Adjust the patient's medication dosage

Answer

Wait until the next scheduled visit

Answer

Reassure the patient without reporting