End Of Life Care (MCQ)

Question 1

Definition of end of life care

Answer 1

Care and support in the final weeks/months of a patients life

Question 2

How to identify if a patient is entering EOL phase ?

Answer 2

> 3 of the following:
Rapid deterioration, non reversible
Requires more interventions
Semi-conscious
Refusing/unable to take meds, food, fluids
Irreversible weight loss
Profound weakness
Changes in breathing patterns

Question 3

EOL care for the families

Answer 3

Involve the family and make sure they know what to expect
Emotional support
Place of death
Withdrawal by the dying person isn’t uncommon

Question 4

EOL care for patient

Answer 4

Oral intake
Dehydration
Respiratory changes
Cardiovascular
Elimination
Skin

Question 5

What are the postmortem changes ?

Answer 5

Diffuse and do not involve the inflammatory process

Question 6

What happens to body temp after death ?

Answer 6

Falls gradually
1-1.5 degrees and hour (Alger mortis)
24 hours after death body at room temp

Question 7

What happens to skin after death ?

Answer 7

Reduced muscle tension
Loss of elasticity
Blood drains from face
Gravit causes blood to settle in dependant areas ( back and buttocks)
(Liver mortis)

Question 8

What happens 6 hours after death ?

Answer 8

Loss of carbohydrates and ATP causing accumulation of acidic compounds in muscles
Detachment of myosin from actin causing muscle stiffness (rigor mortis)

Question 9

What happens 12-14 hours after death

Answer 9

Rigor mortis affects the whole body

Question 10

What happens >14hour after death ?

Answer 10

Rigor mortis dismisses and body becomes flaccid

Question 11

What happens 24-48 hours after death ?

Answer 11

Putrefraction/decay occurs
Depends on temperature of the environment
Greenish tinge
Bloating (lyrtic enzymes)
Opening of cavities