Exam 31: Care for the Dying and for Those Who Grieve

Family members of a dying patient ask the nurse, "What can we say when our loved one says, 'Death is coming soon?'" To promote communication, which response could the nurse suggest for family members?

After the death of his wife, a man says, "I can't live without her . . . she was my whole life." Select the nurse's most therapeutic reply.

Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. One week later, which behaviour by parents indicates adaptive mourning?

A hospice patient tells the nurse, "Life has been good. I am proud of being self-educated. I overcame adversity and always gave my best. I intend to die as I lived: optimistic." The nurse planning care for this patient would recognize the importance of which of the following?

A woman grieving her husband's sudden death tells the nurse, "Yesterday, I saw my husband walk through the door and smile at me, but then he just faded away." Select the nurse's most appropriate action.

Which patients meet criteria for hospice services?

A wife received news that her husband died of heart failure, and she called her family to come to the hospital. She angrily tells the nurse who cared for him, "He would still be alive if you had given him your undivided attention." Select the nurse's best response.

A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behaviours show the child's parents are mourning in an effective way?

After a spouse's death, a patient repeatedly says, "I should have recognized what was happening and been more helpful." This individual is experiencing which of the following?

A patient with pancreatic cancer says, "I know I am dying, but I am still alive. I want to be in control as long as I can." Which reply by the nurse shows active listening?

A husband whose wife is terminally ill says, "I don't want to cry in front of her. I need to be strong for her." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

The spouse of a patient being cared for at home by hospice angrily tells the nurse, "Care provided by the aide is inadequate, so I must do everything myself. Why is this happening? Can't someone help?" The hospice nurse should do which of the following?

A patient who was widowed 18 months ago says, "I can remember good times we had without getting upset. Sometimes I even think about the disappointments. I am still trying to become accustomed to sleeping in the bed all alone."