Question 1

Which of the following best describes a maturational loss?

Accepted Answer

A loss experienced as a result of natural developmental processes, such as a child leaving home for college.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness and begins to refuse to accept the diagnosis, insisting that the tests must be wrong. According to Kübler-Ross’s model, which stage of grief is the patient experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Denial and isolation

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a clinical sign of impending death?

Accepted Answer

Increasing blood pressure

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a patient whose family requests that all life-sustaining treatments be stopped, including artificial nutrition and hydration. Which special order best describes this situation?

Accepted Answer

Terminal weaning

Question 5

According to the Uniform Definition of Death Act, which of the following conditions must be met for a person to be declared dead?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions OR irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem.

Question 6

A patient’s family is struggling financially after the patient’s death. Which factor affecting grief and dying is most relevant in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic factors

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates dysfunctional grief?

Accepted Answer

A person who is unable to express grief and remains emotionally numb for years after a loss.

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary goal of palliative care?

Accepted Answer

To provide aggressive treatment of symptoms and improve quality of life.

Question 9

A patient has a living will. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding this document?

Accepted Answer

It specifies the kind of medical treatment the patient wants or does not want.

Question 10

A nurse is preparing a body for discharge after death. Which of the following actions should the nurse take according to postmortem care guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Place the body in anatomic position and replace dressings.

Question 11

A patient with a terminal illness expresses fear of leaving loved ones and losing dignity. Which category of needs is the patient describing?

Accepted Answer

Psychological needs

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between grief and mourning?

Accepted Answer

Grief is the internal emotional reaction to loss, while mourning is the outward expression of grief.

Question 13

A nurse is supporting a family after a sudden death. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Arrange for family members to view the body in a private place.

Question 14

A patient with a terminal illness requests to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED). Which of the following best describes this action?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED)

Question 15

Which of the following is a key principle in providing care to facilitate a good death?

Accepted Answer

Guiding care by the values and preferences of the individual patient.

Question 16

A patient exaggerates the good qualities of a deceased loved one and then begins to accept the loss. According to Engel’s stages of grief, which stage is this?

Accepted Answer

Idealization

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding advance directives?

Accepted Answer

They indicate who will make decisions for the patient if the patient is unable.

Question 18

A nurse is teaching a family to assist in care for a dying patient. Which aspect of the nurse–patient relationship is being emphasized?

Accepted Answer

Teaching family members to assist in care.

Question 19

A patient’s spouse is unable to return to daily activities months after the patient’s death and continues to feel intense sadness. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Dysfunctional grief

Question 20

Which of the following is a sign that a patient is entering the stage of acceptance in Kübler-Ross’s model?

Accepted Answer

The patient begins to make peace with the impending death and seeks closure.

Loss, Grief, and Dying: Personal Health Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards