1.A nurse on a geriatric medical care unit consults hospice for a client. Which of the
following nursing interventions should the nurse anticipate after
... [Show More] the client begins hospice
care?
A) Administering chemotherapy to a client with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
B) Assessing the deep tendon reflexes of a client with neurologic impairment
C) Infusing total parenteral nutrition to a client with dysphagia
D) Providing an opioid analgesic to a client with bone metastases
Ans: D
Feedback:
The focus of hospice care is on the relief of suffering rather than cure of disease. Relief of
suffering often encompasses providing pain relief to clients. Active curative treatments,
such as chemotherapy, and parenteral feeding often are forgone. Health assessments that
do not assess the client's comfort, such as the assessment of deep tendon reflexes, are not
the priority of palliative/hospice care.
2.A nurse cares for an 87-year-old client from India who has noted Hinduism as religious
preference on admission records. This client is transferred to the hospice unit. Which of
the following actions by the nurse best shows caring?
A) Ask the family to tell you about Hinduism.
B) Assess the client's spiritual needs.
C) Notify the family's pastor.
D) Pray with the client and family.
Ans: B
Feedback:
Spiritual assessment should take place on admission and throughout the client's time in
palliative care. Spiritual care is within the scope of nursing, and prayer would be
appropriate if it were chosen based on a sound assessment of the client's needs and belief
system. Nurses should be prepared to refer to whatever spiritual leader the client
expresses a desire to speak with. Now is not the time to query, it is the time to listen.
3.A nurse explores resources available to assist a client. Which of the following older adults
meets the eligibility requirements for hospice care?
A) A client who is immobilized and unable to afford specialized nursing care
B) A client who has experienced a stroke and been given 3 months to live
C) A client with cancer who is living with uncontrolled persistent pain
D) A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who lacks family support to
provide needed care
Ans: B
Feedback:
The eligibility requirements for hospice care include physician referral and a life
expectancy of less than 6 months. Financial need, high pain levels, and lack of family
support are not explicit qualifiers for hospice care. [Show Less]