HCA End-of-Life Care and Hospice Support 3

Question 1

A dying patient develops very noisy, congested breathing sometimes called the 'death rattle.' What is the most appropriate HCA response?

Accepted Answer

Reposition the patient, inform the nurse, and reassure the family that this is a normal dying process

Answer

Repositioning can help reduce the sound; the nurse should be informed, and family should be reassured this is a normal, expected part of the dying process and does not indicate distress.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT within the HCA's scope of practice in a hospice care setting?

Accepted Answer

Prescribing or independently adjusting pain medications

Answer

Prescribing or adjusting medications is outside the HCA's scope of practice and is reserved for licensed nurses and physicians.

Question 3

A hospice patient tells the HCA they are afraid of dying. What is the HCA's best response?

Accepted Answer

'I hear that you're scared, and I'm here with you. Would you like to talk about what's on your mind?'

Answer

Acknowledging the patient's fear, offering presence, and inviting conversation validates their feelings and provides therapeutic emotional support.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'Do Not Hospitalize' (DNH) order for a hospice patient?

Accepted Answer

To indicate the patient does not wish to be transferred to a hospital for treatment

Answer

A DNH order is a patient's legal directive specifying they do not want to be transferred to a hospital for treatment, consistent with their wish to remain in the hospice or home setting.

Question 5

After a hospice patient dies, how should the HCA handle the patient's personal belongings?

Accepted Answer

Collect and store them according to facility policy while documenting what was gathered

Answer

Personal belongings must be handled per facility policy, carefully inventoried, and documented to protect the patient's estate and the HCA from liability.

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

HCA End-of-Life Care and Hospice Support 3