CPNRE CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Gerontological and Palliative Care Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client in palliative care expresses fear about dying alone. What is the most therapeutic nursing response?
- Tell the client they are not dying yet
- Reassure the client that staff will be present as much as possible and discuss their wishes (Correct answer)
- Change the subject to focus on positive topics
- Suggest the client speak with a physician about their fears
Correct answer: Reassure the client that staff will be present as much as possible and discuss their wishes
Acknowledging the client's fear and discussing their wishes for presence provides emotional support and practical reassurance.
Question 2: Which finding is an expected normal change of aging that the nurse should anticipate in elderly clients?
- Increased creatinine clearance
- Decreased skin turgor (Correct answer)
- Increased respiratory reserve
- Accelerated wound healing
Correct answer: Decreased skin turgor
Decreased skin turgor is a normal physiological change of aging due to reduced collagen and elastin in the skin.
Question 3: A confused elderly client keeps trying to climb out of bed. Before applying a restraint, the nurse should first:
- Apply the restraint immediately for safety
- Try least-restrictive alternatives such as repositioning, music, or a sitter (Correct answer)
- Administer sedation
- Notify the family and take no further action
Correct answer: Try least-restrictive alternatives such as repositioning, music, or a sitter
Least-restrictive alternatives must be attempted before restraints, as restraints carry significant risks including increased agitation and injury.
Question 4: When assessing a palliative client for dehydration at end of life, the nurse should understand that:
- IV fluids must always be initiated to prevent dehydration
- Reduced fluid intake is a natural part of the dying process (Correct answer)
- Dehydration always causes suffering in dying clients
- Nasogastric tube feeding prevents end-of-life complications
Correct answer: Reduced fluid intake is a natural part of the dying process
Reduced food and fluid intake is a normal and expected part of the dying process and does not necessarily cause suffering.
Question 5: The nurse is caring for an older adult with mild cognitive impairment. Which communication strategy is most effective?
- Use complex medical terminology to be precise
- Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and allow extra time for responses (Correct answer)
- Rely solely on written instructions
- Avoid communicating directly with the client and focus on family
Correct answer: Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and allow extra time for responses
Simple, clear language with adequate processing time supports effective communication with clients who have cognitive impairment.
Question 6: A dying client's family asks why their loved one is not eating. The most appropriate nursing response is:
- Encourage forcing food to maintain strength
- Explain that decreased appetite is a normal part of the dying process (Correct answer)
- Suggest high-calorie supplements immediately
- Refer the family immediately without explanation
Correct answer: Explain that decreased appetite is a normal part of the dying process
Educating the family that decreased appetite is a natural part of dying provides comfort and helps them understand the process.
CPNRE CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Gerontological and Palliative Care Questions and Answers 2
A client in palliative care expresses fear about dying alone.
What is the most therapeutic nursing response?