5- End Of Life

1. When a resident is near end of life and bedbound, in many cases they are still able to hear even if they cannot communicate.

True

False

When a resident is near the end of life and bedbound, it is often observed that they can still hear even if they are unable to communicate. This is because the ability to hear is usually one of the last senses to diminish before death. Even though the resident may not be able to respond or communicate verbally, they may still be able to hear and process sounds in their environment. This understanding is important for providing appropriate care and support to the resident, ensuring that they are comfortable and their needs are met.

Explanation

When a resident is near the end of life and bedbound, it is often observed that they can still hear even if they are unable to communicate. This is because the ability to hear is usually one of the last senses to diminish before death. Even though the resident may not be able to respond or communicate verbally, they may still be able to hear and process sounds in their environment. This understanding is important for providing appropriate care and support to the resident, ensuring that they are comfortable and their needs are met.

2. In the last few days of life for the terminally ill resident, they will typically become:

Less responsive

More responsive

As the terminally ill resident approaches the end of their life, it is common for them to become less responsive. This can be attributed to the deterioration of their physical and cognitive abilities. The body's systems start shutting down, leading to decreased alertness and responsiveness. The person may become drowsy, uncommunicative, and show reduced awareness of their surroundings. This decline in responsiveness is a natural part of the dying process.

Explanation

As the terminally ill resident approaches the end of their life, it is common for them to become less responsive. This can be attributed to the deterioration of their physical and cognitive abilities. The body's systems start shutting down, leading to decreased alertness and responsiveness. The person may become drowsy, uncommunicative, and show reduced awareness of their surroundings. This decline in responsiveness is a natural part of the dying process.

3. If the resident is in pain and not experiencing relief, you should notify the hospice nurse or physician.

True

False

If a resident is in pain and not experiencing relief, it is important to notify the hospice nurse or physician. This is because they are the healthcare professionals responsible for managing the resident's pain and providing appropriate treatment. By notifying them, they can assess the situation, adjust the pain management plan if necessary, and ensure that the resident receives the relief they need. It is crucial to address pain promptly and effectively in order to provide optimal comfort and care for the resident.

Explanation

If a resident is in pain and not experiencing relief, it is important to notify the hospice nurse or physician. This is because they are the healthcare professionals responsible for managing the resident's pain and providing appropriate treatment. By notifying them, they can assess the situation, adjust the pain management plan if necessary, and ensure that the resident receives the relief they need. It is crucial to address pain promptly and effectively in order to provide optimal comfort and care for the resident.

4. When a resident is near end of life, generally speaking, their:

Appetite will increase

Appetite will decrease

Appetite will remain the same as before they became terminally ill

When a resident is near the end of life, their appetite will generally decrease. This is because as the body becomes weaker and the person's health deteriorates, they may experience a loss of appetite and a decreased desire to eat. This can be due to various factors such as physical discomfort, medication side effects, changes in taste and smell, or emotional distress. It is important for caregivers to understand and respect the resident's decreased appetite and provide appropriate support and comfort during this time.

Explanation

When a resident is near the end of life, their appetite will generally decrease. This is because as the body becomes weaker and the person's health deteriorates, they may experience a loss of appetite and a decreased desire to eat. This can be due to various factors such as physical discomfort, medication side effects, changes in taste and smell, or emotional distress. It is important for caregivers to understand and respect the resident's decreased appetite and provide appropriate support and comfort during this time.

5. If a resident goes two days without a bowel movement, you should:

Do nothing

Call the hospice nurse

None of the above

If a resident goes two days without a bowel movement, it is important to call the hospice nurse. This is because a lack of bowel movement for two days can indicate constipation or a potential issue with the resident's digestive system. The hospice nurse will be able to assess the situation and provide appropriate medical intervention or advice to ensure the resident's comfort and well-being.

Explanation

If a resident goes two days without a bowel movement, it is important to call the hospice nurse. This is because a lack of bowel movement for two days can indicate constipation or a potential issue with the resident's digestive system. The hospice nurse will be able to assess the situation and provide appropriate medical intervention or advice to ensure the resident's comfort and well-being.

6. Which of the following may be signs that the resident is in pain:

Agitation

Decreased activity

Sitting or lying in a different position than normal

Breathing quickly

Sweating

Moaning

All of the above

All of the above signs may indicate that the resident is in pain. Agitation, decreased activity, sitting or lying in a different position than normal, breathing quickly, sweating, and moaning are all potential signs of pain in a resident. These behaviors can be indicative of discomfort or distress, and it is important for caregivers to recognize and address these signs to provide appropriate pain management and support to the resident.

Explanation

All of the above signs may indicate that the resident is in pain. Agitation, decreased activity, sitting or lying in a different position than normal, breathing quickly, sweating, and moaning are all potential signs of pain in a resident. These behaviors can be indicative of discomfort or distress, and it is important for caregivers to recognize and address these signs to provide appropriate pain management and support to the resident.

7. Typically, in the last day or so of life, the resident will exhibit Cheyne-Stokes breathing which is:

Continuous shallow breathing

Several rapid breaths followed by periods of no breaths

Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a pattern of breathing characterized by several rapid breaths followed by periods of no breaths. This pattern is commonly observed in the last day or so of life in individuals who are nearing death. It is believed to be caused by changes in the brain's respiratory centers and can be a result of decreased blood flow or oxygen levels. This irregular breathing pattern is often seen as a sign that the body is shutting down and can be distressing for both the individual and their loved ones.

Explanation

Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a pattern of breathing characterized by several rapid breaths followed by periods of no breaths. This pattern is commonly observed in the last day or so of life in individuals who are nearing death. It is believed to be caused by changes in the brain's respiratory centers and can be a result of decreased blood flow or oxygen levels. This irregular breathing pattern is often seen as a sign that the body is shutting down and can be distressing for both the individual and their loved ones.

8. If a resident is considered "terminally ill," generally speaking it means they have ____ months or less to live.

3

6

12

If a resident is considered "terminally ill," generally speaking it means they have 6 months or less to live. This is a common timeframe used in medical contexts to indicate that the individual's condition is not expected to improve and that their life expectancy is limited.

Explanation

If a resident is considered "terminally ill," generally speaking it means they have 6 months or less to live. This is a common timeframe used in medical contexts to indicate that the individual's condition is not expected to improve and that their life expectancy is limited.

9. Normally, in the last day or two of life, the resident's breathing may sound wet and gurgling. This breathing:

Causes the resident discomfort and the hospice nurse should be called.

Typically does not cause discomfort, however, there are medications that can help this condition

The correct answer is that the wet and gurgling breathing typically does not cause discomfort, however, there are medications that can help this condition. This suggests that although the sound may be unpleasant, it does not necessarily mean that the resident is in pain or discomfort. Additionally, the answer implies that there are medications available to alleviate the symptoms and improve the resident's breathing.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the wet and gurgling breathing typically does not cause discomfort, however, there are medications that can help this condition. This suggests that although the sound may be unpleasant, it does not necessarily mean that the resident is in pain or discomfort. Additionally, the answer implies that there are medications available to alleviate the symptoms and improve the resident's breathing.