A patient with an inoperable brain tumor says to the nurse, "I just want to die now. It's going to happen soon anyway." Which of the following would be the most appropriate response?
A) "Don't worry about that right now. It'll be OK."
B) "I disagree with what you just said!"
C) "Honey, now don't you talk like that."
D) "Tell me why you are saying that."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using open-ended questions or comments gives the patient the opportunity to share freely on a subject, avoids interjection of feelings or assumptions by the nurse, and provides for patient elaboration on important topics when the nurse wants to collect a breadth of information. Giving false reassurance discounts the patient's feelings, cuts off conversation about legitimate concerns of the patient, and demonstrates a need by the nurse to "fix" something that the patient just wants to discuss. Showing agreement or disagreement discontinues patient reflection on an introduced topic, and implies a lack of value for the thoughts, feelings, or concerns of patients. Using personal terms of endearment, such as "Honey," demonstrates disrespect for the individual, diminishes the dignity of a unique patient, and may indicate that the nurse did not take the time or care enough to learn or remember the patient's name

A Patient with an Inoperable Brain Tumor Says to the Nurse