CNA End-of-Life Care and Postmortem Care

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Mottling (bluish-purple blotching) of the skin, especially the knees and feet

Answer

Mottling of the extremities is caused by slowing circulation as the body's systems begin to shut down. It is a recognized sign of imminent death along with cooling of the extremities, Cheyne-Stokes breathing, and decreased responsiveness.

Question 2

A resident has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in their chart. The resident stops breathing. The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Notify the charge nurse immediately and stay with the resident

Answer

A DNR order means cardiopulmonary resuscitation should not be initiated. The nurse aide's role is to notify the charge nurse immediately and remain with the resident. Initiating CPR would violate the resident's advance directive and legal order.

Question 3

When providing postmortem care, the nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Follow facility policy and the charge nurse's instructions, treating the body with dignity and respect

Answer

Postmortem care — cleaning and positioning the body, placing dentures, removing tubes per policy, and shrouding — must be performed according to facility protocols and nurse direction. The body must always be treated with dignity, and family and cultural wishes should be honored.

Question 4

A resident receiving hospice care is in pain and asks the nurse aide to 'make the pain stop.' The most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the nurse immediately so pain management interventions can be implemented

Answer

Pain management is a central goal of hospice and end-of-life care. The nurse aide cannot administer medication but must report pain immediately to the nurse, who can assess and act. Comfort and pain relief are priorities in palliative care.

Question 5

A resident's family member becomes very upset and tearful at the bedside of a dying resident. The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Offer a quiet, caring presence, provide tissues, and ask if there is anything they need

Answer

The nurse aide's role in end-of-life situations includes emotional support for both the resident and family. Offering a compassionate presence, listening without judgment, and asking about needs are appropriate. Making false reassurances ('they will be fine') is never appropriate.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA End-of-Life Care and Postmortem Care