A patient with advanced leukemia is responding poorly to treatment. The nurse finds the patient tearful and trying to express his feelings, but he is clearly having difficulty. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

Question

A) Tell him that you will give him privacy and leave the room.
B) Offer to call pastoral care.
C) Ask if he would like you to sit with him while he collects his thoughts.
D) Tell him that you can understand how he's feeling.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Providing emotional support and discussing the uncertain future are crucial. Leaving is incorrect because leaving the patient doesn't show acceptance of his feelings. Offering to call pastoral care may be helpful for some patients but should be done after the nurse has spent time with the patient. Telling the patient that you understand how he's feeling is inappropriate because it doesn't help him express his feelings.