Q.1 What is the primary goal of palliative care in end-of-life patients?
To cure the underlying disease
To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
To prolong life at any cost
To reduce healthcare costs
Explanation - Palliative care focuses on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life rather than curing the disease.
Correct answer is: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
Q.2 Which of the following is considered a common physical symptom in end-of-life care?
Headache
Dyspnea
Itchy skin
Hair loss
Explanation - Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom in patients nearing end of life, often requiring careful symptom management.
Correct answer is: Dyspnea
Q.3 Which principle is most important when discussing end-of-life care options with patients?
Patient autonomy
Physician convenience
Hospital policy
Insurance coverage
Explanation - Respecting patient autonomy ensures patients make informed decisions about their care according to their values and preferences.
Correct answer is: Patient autonomy
Q.4 Which of the following medications is commonly used to manage severe pain in end-of-life care?
Acetaminophen
Morphine
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Explanation - Morphine, an opioid analgesic, is frequently used to control moderate to severe pain in palliative care patients.
Correct answer is: Morphine
Q.5 What is the role of hospice care in end-of-life management?
To provide aggressive curative treatment
To provide support and comfort when life expectancy is limited
To facilitate experimental therapies
To isolate patients from families
Explanation - Hospice care focuses on comfort, symptom management, and emotional support for patients with limited life expectancy.
Correct answer is: To provide support and comfort when life expectancy is limited
Q.6 Which of the following is a common psychological concern in end-of-life patients?
Insomnia
Anxiety and depression
Hyperactivity
Short-term memory loss
Explanation - Patients nearing end of life often experience emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, and fear.
Correct answer is: Anxiety and depression
Q.7 Advance directives in end-of-life care are intended to:
Dictate hospital policies
Guide healthcare decisions when the patient is unable to communicate
Replace physician judgment entirely
Determine insurance coverage
Explanation - Advance directives allow patients to express their preferences for care in situations where they cannot make decisions.
Correct answer is: Guide healthcare decisions when the patient is unable to communicate
Q.8 Which ethical principle is most directly involved when withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment?
Justice
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Autonomy
Explanation - Respecting a patient’s autonomy involves honoring their informed choices about treatment, including refusing life-sustaining interventions.
Correct answer is: Autonomy
Q.9 Which intervention is most appropriate for managing terminal agitation?
Antipsychotics such as haloperidol
Stimulants
High-dose corticosteroids
Antibiotics
Explanation - Haloperidol is commonly used to manage delirium and terminal agitation in end-of-life care.
Correct answer is: Antipsychotics such as haloperidol
Q.10 Which of the following best describes a key component of holistic end-of-life care?
Focus only on physical symptoms
Address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs
Prioritize hospital revenue
Encourage experimental treatments
Explanation - Holistic care ensures that all aspects of a patient's well-being are considered, not just physical symptoms.
Correct answer is: Address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs
Q.11 In end-of-life care, 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) orders are intended to:
Prevent any medical intervention
Avoid cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest
Ensure aggressive treatment
Force ICU admission
Explanation - A DNR order specifies that CPR should not be performed if a patient’s heart stops, while other medical care may continue.
Correct answer is: Avoid cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest
Q.12 Which symptom is commonly addressed with low-dose opioids in end-of-life care besides pain?
Constipation
Dyspnea
Nausea
Itching
Explanation - Low-dose opioids can reduce the sensation of breathlessness in terminal patients.
Correct answer is: Dyspnea
Q.13 Which of the following is considered a non-pharmacologic intervention for end-of-life care?
Radiotherapy
Massage therapy and music therapy
Chemotherapy
Opioid administration
Explanation - Non-pharmacologic interventions like massage, music, and relaxation techniques help improve comfort and emotional well-being.
Correct answer is: Massage therapy and music therapy
Q.14 Which healthcare professional is specifically trained to provide end-of-life counseling and emotional support?
Oncologist
Palliative care nurse or social worker
Radiologist
Physician assistant
Explanation - Palliative care teams, including specialized nurses and social workers, offer emotional, social, and spiritual support to patients and families.
Correct answer is: Palliative care nurse or social worker
Q.15 Which of the following best describes anticipatory grief?
Grieving after death
Grieving before an expected loss
Denial of death
Sudden depression after sudden illness
Explanation - Anticipatory grief occurs when patients or families begin grieving prior to an expected death, often allowing emotional preparation.
Correct answer is: Grieving before an expected loss
Q.16 Which of the following is an important communication skill in end-of-life care?
Using medical jargon to impress the patient
Active listening and empathy
Providing minimal information to avoid distress
Avoiding difficult topics
Explanation - Effective communication involves listening, showing empathy, and providing information in a compassionate manner.
Correct answer is: Active listening and empathy
Q.17 Which of the following is a common ethical challenge in end-of-life care?
Choosing between palliative and curative treatments
Performing routine blood tests
Prescribing vitamins
Hospital budgeting
Explanation - Deciding when to shift focus from curative to palliative care is a frequent ethical challenge involving patient preferences and medical judgment.
Correct answer is: Choosing between palliative and curative treatments
Q.18 Which of the following statements is true regarding hydration in terminally ill patients?
Aggressive IV fluids always prolong life
Hydration should be tailored to comfort and symptom management
Fluid restriction is always harmful
Hydration is unnecessary and unethical
Explanation - Hydration decisions should focus on symptom relief and patient comfort rather than strict prolongation of life.
Correct answer is: Hydration should be tailored to comfort and symptom management
Q.19 Which of the following is considered a spiritual aspect of end-of-life care?
Administering antibiotics
Providing chaplain support or facilitating rituals
Ordering lab tests
Scheduling chemotherapy
Explanation - Spiritual care may involve religious support, counseling, or respecting cultural rituals to help patients and families find meaning and peace.
Correct answer is: Providing chaplain support or facilitating rituals
Q.20 Which of the following is a sign of imminent death?
Improved appetite
Increased mobility
Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Rising blood pressure
Explanation - Cheyne-Stokes breathing (periodic breathing with apnea) is commonly seen in patients approaching death.
Correct answer is: Cheyne-Stokes respiration
Q.21 Which intervention is most effective for constipation in end-of-life care?
High-dose opioids
Laxatives and stool softeners
Fasting
Fluid restriction
Explanation - Opioid-induced constipation is common; proactive use of laxatives or stool softeners is essential for comfort.
Correct answer is: Laxatives and stool softeners
Q.22 Which term refers to medical interventions aimed at comfort rather than curing disease?
Curative care
Supportive care
Palliative care
Preventive care
Explanation - Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life without necessarily treating the underlying disease.
Correct answer is: Palliative care
Q.23 Which of the following is a legal document used to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on a patient’s behalf?
Living will
Durable power of attorney for healthcare
DNR order
Medical record
Explanation - This legal document allows a designated person to make medical decisions if the patient becomes incapable of doing so.
Correct answer is: Durable power of attorney for healthcare
Q.24 Which of the following is a common symptom requiring opioid titration in end-of-life care?
Dyspnea
Fever
Rash
Hypertension
Explanation - Opioids are used not only for pain but also to alleviate breathlessness in terminally ill patients.
Correct answer is: Dyspnea
Q.25 Which approach helps families cope with the impending death of a loved one?
Avoid discussing death
Provide counseling and psychosocial support
Focus solely on medical interventions
Encourage denial
Explanation - Family support through counseling, education, and emotional care is essential in end-of-life care to reduce distress and facilitate grieving.
Correct answer is: Provide counseling and psychosocial support