Critical Care Nursing NCLEX Questions Related

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The son of a dying patient tells the nurse, 'Mother doesn’t respond anymore when I visit. I don’t think she knows that I am here.' Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

  • A. You may need to cut back your visits, for now, to avoid overtiring your mother.
  • B. Withdrawal may sometimes be a normal response when preparing to leave life.
  • C. It will be important for you to stimulate your mother as she gets closer to dying.
  • D. Many patients don’t know what is going on around them at the end of life.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because withdrawal is a common psychological response in the dying process. The nurse should explain to the son that his mother's lack of response may be her way of preparing to leave life. This response validates the son's concerns while providing reassurance.

Choice A is incorrect because cutting back visits may not address the underlying issue of the mother's withdrawal. Choice C is incorrect because stimulating the mother may not be beneficial or appropriate in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because not all patients experience a lack of awareness at the end of life, and assuming so may not be helpful in this context.