GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant End-of-Life Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the primary philosophy of hospice care?

Accepted Answer

To focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when a cure is not possible.

Answer

Hospice care is a philosophy of care that centers on providing comfort (palliative care), supporting dignity, and maximizing the quality of life for a person with a terminal illness, rather than seeking a cure. [8, 18, 29] It addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the resident and their family. [4, 18]

Question 2

A GNA is caring for a resident who is actively dying. Which of the following are common physical signs that death is approaching?

Accepted Answer

Irregular breathing patterns (like Cheyne-Stokes) and mottling of the skin.

Answer

As the body's systems begin to shut down, circulation slows, causing a blotchy, purplish discoloration of the skin called mottling, particularly in the extremities. [6, 11] Breathing patterns often become irregular, with periods of rapid breathing followed by periods of no breathing (apnea), a pattern known as Cheyne-Stokes respirations. [10, 15] The other options describe signs of health and vitality.

Question 3

When providing postmortem care for a resident who has just passed away, what is a primary responsibility of the GNA?

Accepted Answer

Treating the body with dignity while performing a final bath and positioning.

Answer

The GNA's role in postmortem care is to treat the deceased with respect and dignity. [1, 2] This includes gently bathing the body, dressing it in a clean gown, and placing it in a natural, dignified position before family viewing or transport. [5, 23] Notifying the family, completing the death certificate, and removing medical tubing are tasks performed by the licensed nurse or physician. [1, 5]

Question 4

A resident receiving end-of-life care tells the GNA, "I'm so scared of dying." What is the MOST therapeutic response from the GNA?

Accepted Answer

"Would you like to talk about what is making you feel scared?"

Answer

The most therapeutic response is one that acknowledges the resident's feelings and provides an open-ended invitation for them to express themselves further. [3, 19] This demonstrates active listening and empathy. Providing false reassurance (A), dismissing their feelings (C), or immediately deferring to the nurse (D) closes off communication and fails to provide immediate emotional support. [19, 20]

Question 5

A resident has a legal document that outlines their wishes for medical treatment, such as the use of life-sustaining measures, in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This document is known as:

Accepted Answer

An advance directive.

Answer

An advance directive is a legal document, such as a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care, that allows a person to state their preferences for end-of-life medical care. [27, 34, 36] A last will and testament deals with property after death, while informed consent is for specific procedures, and an incident report documents unexpected events.

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Test

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Test

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant End-of-Life Care Questions and Answers