As a Patient's Prognosis Worsens, Interpersonal Communications Often Deteriorate

Multiple Choice

As a patient's prognosis worsens, interpersonal communications often deteriorate. The reasons for this breakdown are generally due to

A) the belief that others do not want to talk about death.
B) long-term communication problems in the family.
C) indifference among medical staff members.
D) health care providers often have feelings of guilt or failure and are therefore reluctant to talk about the future.
E) a worry that focusing on death will cause the patient to die sooner.