Fundamentals of Nursing, 2nd Edition – Active Learning for
Collaborative Practice by Yoost & Crawford
Chapter 42: Death and Loss
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The hospice nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient whose son is distraught because
the patient will likely die within days and he feels powerless. What is the most appropriate
nursing diagnosis for the son currently?
A. Chronic grief related to impending death of mother
B. Death anxiety related to feeling powerless over situation
C. Powerlessness related to progression of mother's terminal illness
D. Complicated grieving related to desired avoidance of mourning
Answer: B
Explanation: The son's distress stems from his inability to alter his mother's imminent death,
which aligns with death anxiety. This diagnosis captures his emotional turmoil and sense of
helplessness.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A is incorrect because chronic grief implies prolonged sorrow,
not anticipatory distress. C focuses on powerlessness, which is a symptom of anxiety. D applies
to unresolved grief after a loss, not anticipatory feelings.
2. The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient whose children are reminiscing with old
photos and home movies. Which term best describes their activity?
A. Anticipatory grieving
B. Bereavement
C. Caregiver role strain
D. Death anxiety
Answer: A
Explanation: The family is engaging in anticipatory grieving, preparing emotionally for the
patient's death through shared memories and life review.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B refers to grief after death, not before. C involves stress from
caregiving duties, not emotional preparation. D describes fear of death, not reminiscence.
3. The nurse is caring for a recently deceased patient whose family begins washing the body
for burial. What is the nurse's best action?
, A. Inform the family the body must go to the morgue
B. Instruct the family that staff will handle postmortem care
C. Obtain signatures for organ donation and autopsy
D. Offer supplies and provide privacy for the family
Answer: D
Explanation: Respecting cultural practices and family wishes is paramount. Providing supplies
and privacy honors their traditions while supporting their grieving process.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A and B disregard the family's cultural needs. C is premature
and unrelated to the immediate situation.
4. The nurse is preparing the body of an ER patient who died from a gun mishap and
requires an autopsy. Which items should be removed before transport?
A. Endotracheal tube
B. Foley catheter and IV line
C. Dentures
D. Necklace and watch
Answer: D
Explanation: Personal items like jewelry are removed for the family, while medical devices
(tubes, catheters) must remain intact for autopsy.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, and C are incorrect because medical equipment and
dentures are left in place for autopsy procedures.
5. A patient grieving a miscarriage at 24 weeks is told by her husband, "It's not a real
baby." What term describes her anguish?
A. Disenfranchised grief
B. Delayed grief
C. Moral distress
D. Masked grief
Answer: A
Explanation: Disenfranchised grief occurs when others invalidate the loss, as the husband’s
dismissal prevents the patient from openly mourning.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B involves postponed grief, not current sorrow. C relates to
ethical conflicts. D describes unrecognized grief interfering with daily life.
Collaborative Practice by Yoost & Crawford
Chapter 42: Death and Loss
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The hospice nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient whose son is distraught because
the patient will likely die within days and he feels powerless. What is the most appropriate
nursing diagnosis for the son currently?
A. Chronic grief related to impending death of mother
B. Death anxiety related to feeling powerless over situation
C. Powerlessness related to progression of mother's terminal illness
D. Complicated grieving related to desired avoidance of mourning
Answer: B
Explanation: The son's distress stems from his inability to alter his mother's imminent death,
which aligns with death anxiety. This diagnosis captures his emotional turmoil and sense of
helplessness.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A is incorrect because chronic grief implies prolonged sorrow,
not anticipatory distress. C focuses on powerlessness, which is a symptom of anxiety. D applies
to unresolved grief after a loss, not anticipatory feelings.
2. The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient whose children are reminiscing with old
photos and home movies. Which term best describes their activity?
A. Anticipatory grieving
B. Bereavement
C. Caregiver role strain
D. Death anxiety
Answer: A
Explanation: The family is engaging in anticipatory grieving, preparing emotionally for the
patient's death through shared memories and life review.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B refers to grief after death, not before. C involves stress from
caregiving duties, not emotional preparation. D describes fear of death, not reminiscence.
3. The nurse is caring for a recently deceased patient whose family begins washing the body
for burial. What is the nurse's best action?
, A. Inform the family the body must go to the morgue
B. Instruct the family that staff will handle postmortem care
C. Obtain signatures for organ donation and autopsy
D. Offer supplies and provide privacy for the family
Answer: D
Explanation: Respecting cultural practices and family wishes is paramount. Providing supplies
and privacy honors their traditions while supporting their grieving process.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A and B disregard the family's cultural needs. C is premature
and unrelated to the immediate situation.
4. The nurse is preparing the body of an ER patient who died from a gun mishap and
requires an autopsy. Which items should be removed before transport?
A. Endotracheal tube
B. Foley catheter and IV line
C. Dentures
D. Necklace and watch
Answer: D
Explanation: Personal items like jewelry are removed for the family, while medical devices
(tubes, catheters) must remain intact for autopsy.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, and C are incorrect because medical equipment and
dentures are left in place for autopsy procedures.
5. A patient grieving a miscarriage at 24 weeks is told by her husband, "It's not a real
baby." What term describes her anguish?
A. Disenfranchised grief
B. Delayed grief
C. Moral distress
D. Masked grief
Answer: A
Explanation: Disenfranchised grief occurs when others invalidate the loss, as the husband’s
dismissal prevents the patient from openly mourning.
Why Other Options Are Wrong: B involves postponed grief, not current sorrow. C relates to
ethical conflicts. D describes unrecognized grief interfering with daily life.
