eol effects on nurses

Question 1

What is an ethical conflict in end-of-life care?

Answer 1

Disagreement about continuing vs stopping treatment

Question 2

What is a common challenge balancing patient care?

Answer 2

Balancing patient wishes with family or provider opinions

Question 3

What is moral distress for nurses?

Answer 3

Feeling powerless when unable to give care aligned with one’s values

Question 4

What does “concern for patient dignity” mean at end of life?

Answer 4

Advocating for comfort, respect, privacy

Question 5

Example of maintaining patient dignity during hygiene care?

Answer 5

Don’t wipe a patient with the door open; don’t rip off blankets

Question 6

What should nurses do if unsure about cultural beliefs?

Answer 6

Ask the patient/family respectfully

Question 7

What does maintaining professional distance mean?

Answer 7

Show empathy without absorbing the patient’s or family’s pain

Question 8

Why avoid over-identification?

Answer 8

To care with compassion but prevent emotional exhaustion

Question 9

Why set emotional boundaries?

Answer 9

Protects nurses from burnout and maintains professionalism

Question 10

Why debrief with team members or mentors?

Answer 10

Helps process emotions and gain objective perspective

Question 11

Should nurses be emotional with families?

Answer 11

No—remain supportive but professional

Question 12

What self-care strategies help nurses?

Answer 12

Journaling, mindfulness, counseling

Question 13

Why focus on patient-centered goals?

Answer 13

Ensures decisions reflect patient values, not personal feelings

Question 14

Who can nurses seek support from?

Answer 14

Ethics committees, chaplaincy, employee assistance programs (EAP)

Question 15

What topics should nurses avoid during end-of-life care?

Answer 15

Discussions about finance, religion, or politics

Question 16

What organizational support improves nurse well-being?

Answer 16

Adequate staffing and supportive coworkers

Question 17

Why are family meetings important?

Answer 17

Help establish and clarify plan of care

Question 18

How can organizations help families after death?

Answer 18

Assist with funeral arrangements*

Question 19

How can nursing organizations help the public?

Answer 19

Education about end-of-life care

Question 20

How can organizations support nurses’ competence?

Answer 20

Providing professional development classes