A patient diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer says, 'I'm dying, but I'm still living. I want to be in control as long as I can.' Which reply shows the nurse was actively listening?
- A. Our staff will do their best to help you feel comfortable.'
- B. Most people do not know how to help and are afraid of death.'
- C. Although your body is frail, your mind and spirit are healthy.'
- D. You want people to stop focusing on your weaknesses.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient is asking for acknowledgment that he or she is not totally sick; even in the terminal state, strengths and capabilities are present.
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What situation makes the mourning process more difficult for the bereaved?
- A. They were relatively independent of the deceased.
- B. They have experienced many previous losses.
- C. They accept that death is expected for everyone.
- D. They had resolved conflicts with the deceased.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Factors that have negative effects on the mourning process include a high number of past losses or other recent losses.
After the death of his wife, a man tells the nurse, 'I can't live without her. She was my whole life.' Which is the nurse's most therapeutic reply?
- A. Each day will get a little better.'
- B. Her death is a terrible loss for you.'
- C. Remember, she's no longer suffering.'
- D. Your friends will help you cope with this.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response demonstrates the use of reflection, a therapeutic communication technique. A statement that validates the bereaved person's loss is more helpful than clich?©s and it signifies understanding.
A woman whose husband is terminally ill says, 'I don't want to cry in front of him. I don't want him to know how soon death will occur or how sad I am.' Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?
- A. I'm glad you are protecting him at a time when he is so vulnerable.'
- B. He might be more comforted than disturbed by your tears.'
- C. It's important for you to know that time is running out.'
- D. You definitely need to be honest about your feelings.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Emotional honesty is important to both the patient and the family. The patient may be comforted to know that the family is facing the inevitable.
Which finding indicates the successful completion of an individual's grieving process?
- A. For 2 years, a person has kept the deceased spouse's belongings in their usual places.
- B. After 15 months, a widowed person realistically remembers both the pleasures and disappointments of the relationship with the spouse.
- C. 3 years after the death, a person talks about the spouse as if the spouse was still alive and weeps when others mention the spouse's name.
- D. 18 months after the spouse's death, a person says, 'I never cry or have feelings of loss even though we were always very close.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The work of grieving is over when the bereaved can remember the individual realistically and acknowledge both the pleasure and disappointments associated with the loved one.
Which actions by a nurse contribute to protecting the rights of patients who are terminally ill? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Maintain hope for a positive prognosis.
- B. Hug the patient when sadness is expressed.
- C. Offer choices that promote personal control.
- D. Provide interventions that convey respect.
- E. Support the patient's quest for spiritual growth.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: The answers support the rights of the individual who is dying. Offering choices, providing respectful interventions, and supporting spiritual growth respect the patient's autonomy and dignity.
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