End-of-life questions cover comfort care, hospice, supporting families and care after death.
5 free end-of-life care practice questions
Choose your answer first, then open the answer to check it.
1. A resident with a terminal illness says, “If I can just see my grandson graduate, I’ll accept the rest.” Which stage of grief is this?
A. Denial
B. Anger
C. Bargaining
D. Acceptance
Show the answer to question 1
Answer: C. Bargaining The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Bargaining is trying to make a deal to change the outcome. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
2. Which is part of postmortem care?
A. Leave the soiled linens in place for the funeral home staff.
B. Cover the face tightly with a sheet right away.
C. Place the body face down on the bed.
D. Gently close the eyes and mouth, leaving the face uncovered.
Show the answer to question 2
Answer: D. Gently close the eyes and mouth, leaving the face uncovered. Bathe the body, position it in correct alignment, gently close the eyelids and mouth, and cover to the neck with clean linens, leaving the face uncovered. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
3. A resident who seemed accepting of a loss yesterday is angry and tearful today. Which understanding should guide the CNA?
A. A return of tears proves that the person’s earlier feelings were false.
B. Acceptance means anger can no longer occur.
C. Every person must show all five named reactions in the same order.
D. Grief reactions can shift or recur without following one set order.
Show the answer to question 3
Answer: D. Grief reactions can shift or recur without following one set order. The familiar five-stage model is not a required timetable. Responses can overlap or recur; respond to the person’s present needs rather than enforcing stages. Source: National Cancer Institute (verified 2026-10-21).
4. A resident receiving treatment for cancer is also referred for palliative care. Which statement is accurate?
A. The referral proves that all cancer treatment must stop right away.
B. Comfort concerns should wait until the disease treatment is completed.
C. The CNA should explain that palliative care is only for the last hours of life.
D. Palliative support can be provided alongside treatment directed at the disease.
Show the answer to question 4
Answer: D. Palliative support can be provided alongside treatment directed at the disease. Palliative care addresses comfort and quality of life during serious illness and can occur with disease treatment. It is not identical to hospice or proof of a particular prognosis. Source: National Cancer Institute (verified 2026-10-21).
5. A dying resident breathes with an open mouth. How often is mouth care with a moist swab recommended?
A. Once a day, at bedtime
B. Only when the family asks
C. Never, so as not to disturb her
D. About every hour
Show the answer to question 5
Answer: D. About every hour When a dying resident breathes with the mouth open, oral care with a moist swab should be done hourly, with lip balm as needed. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
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Questions are written from public nursing and health sources and checked through AI editorial review. They have not been reviewed by a licensed clinician. How we write and review questions