Exam 8: Communications

A patient diagnosed with cancer tells the nurse that he is "sorry" he completed an advance directive because he would have done it differently today. Which of the following responses can the nurse give to this patient?

The physician is planning to discuss a new diagnosis of cancer with a patient but is concerned that he may not be prepared to hear the information. Which of the following can the nurse do to facilitate this discussion?

A terminally ill patient tells the nurse that even though the news about his health is not good, he feels less anxious about what to expect. The nurse realizes the conversation held with the patient was:

The primary nurse of a terminally ill patient is consoling the family, completing after- death care, and documenting everything that has occurred. Afterwards, she asks for a new patient to replace the one she lost and says that she is caught up with all care needed for her other patients. This nurse's behavior would indicate:

While providing morning care to a terminally ill patient, the patient tells the nurse that he would like to return home as soon as possible so that he can die knowing he is in his home, surrounded by his belongings and loved ones. He does not feel comfortable telling the doctor this but knows that the nurse understands. Which of the following does this tell the nurse?

The nurse tells the manager that she does not want to care for patients who are near death since she "doesn't handle" those situations very well. Which of the following explains this nurse's request?

The family of a terminally ill patient tells the nurse that there is to be no talk about death in front of the patient. The nurse realizes this family's request would be considered:

After the physician communicates the prognosis for a terminally ill patient, the nurse stays in the patient's room and sits with the family to answer any questions and address concerns. Which of the following is this nurse doing?

The nurse explains to the terminally ill patient that the medication being given in the IV will remove excess phagocytes from the blood stream, facilitating a normal inflammatory response in his tissues. The nurse's conversation with the patient would be considered as which of the following?

The nurse, new to hospice care, is uncomfortable talking with patients and families about end-of-life care and issues. Which of the following should she do to become more comfortable with the patients and their families?

A terminally ill patient tells the nurse that he wishes that someone would talk with him about his prognosis so that he can make plans. Which of the following should the nurse do to help this patient?

The nurse is considering working with patients and families who are near the end of life but does not really know the type of nursing care that is provided. Which of the following would be helpful for her at this time?

A terminally ill patient has been intubated because the advance directive included intubation and ventilatory support if needed. The family, upset to see the "breathing tube," wants to know why he was not permitted to die and demands that something be done immediately. Which of the following should be done in this situation?

The family of a terminally ill patient is unhappy with the care the patient is receiving because the nurse just comes into the room, does activities, and then leaves without conversation. The nurse's behavior could be explained by which of the following?

Family members of a patient have just learned that the patient is terminally ill and will not recover from the current illness. The nurse sits quietly with them and is seen holding the spouse's hand. Which of the following is this nurse doing?

A terminally ill patient has asked that any treatments be eliminated that will not add years to his life since they are just a waste of money and cause him more pain. The nurse realizes that this patient's decision will do which of the following?

A terminally ill patient is resting and the spouse is sitting quietly alone in the room. Which of the following can the nurse do at this time?

A terminally ill patient is in a coma. The spouse tells the nurse that the patient would not want to live on life support, whereas the eldest daughter tells the nurse to do "everything possible" to keep her father alive. Which of the following should the nurse do?

The wife of a terminally ill patient asks him to tell her about the time when he was in the Marines and thought the enemy was approaching when he realized it was just a herd of deer. The nurse realizes that the spouse is engaging in which of the following activities?