End-of-life and Palliative Care
NCLEX- Style Questions
NCLEX- Style Questions
Question 1
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The nurse is caring for William, who is now on comfort care measures. His wife and daughters are present, struggling with his decline. Which nursing actions align with best practices in palliative and end-of-life care? (Select all that apply.)
- Assess the family’s emotional needs and provide opportunities for them to express their concerns.
- Provide non-verbal support by sitting with the family and maintaining an empathetic presence.
- Offer to involve social work, chaplaincy, and other support services as requested by the family.
- Explain that since William is no longer receiving curative treatments, ongoing nursing care is not necessary.
- Ensure that William remains clean, comfortable, and his dignity is preserved.
- Encourage the family to focus on the positive memories, rather than grieving during his final moments.
Question 2
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The nurse is engaging in a family discussion regarding William’s transition to comfort care. Which three nursing interventions best support patient autonomy and family-centered decision-making? (Select 3.)
- Avoid discussing the prognosis with the family, as it may cause unnecessary distress.
- Discourage the family from participating in bedside care as it may be emotionally overwhelming.
- Facilitate discussions with the interprofessional team and palliative care specialists.
- Offer the family a private space to process their emotions while remaining available for support.
- Provide education on the dying process and what to expect in the final hours.
Question 3
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Question 4
Question 5
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The nurse is educating new ICU nurses about common misconceptions regarding palliative and end-of-life care. Which of the following statements aligns with evidence-based palliative care? (Select all that apply.)
- Patients in palliative care should not receive pain medication due to the risk of addiction.
- End-of-life care should be personalized to align with the patient’s values and preferences.
- Palliative care is appropriate for patients with serious illness regardless of prognosis.
- Choosing palliative care means stopping all treatment and medical interventions.
- Only physicians can discuss palliative care with patients and families.
- Palliative care focuses on symptom management, dignity, and quality of life.
Question 6
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The nurse is providing support to William’s family at the bedside when his wife begins chanting a prayer. One of his daughters responds, “What good are prayers going to do now?” What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
- “Maybe your mother is just doing what makes her feel better, and you should let her.”
- “Your father would want you all to be united right now.”
- “I can ask your mother to stop chanting if it’s making you uncomfortable.”
- “Prayer and spiritual rituals can provide comfort. Would you like to talk about what you’re feeling?”
- “Not everyone finds comfort in prayer, but let’s allow your mother her moment.”
- “Your mother believes prayer is helpful, so you should respect that.”
