The nurse is caring for a client with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Even though the prognosis is poor, the client tells the nurse that the plan is to do everything to survive
How should the nurse respond to this client?
A) "You have a great attitude and I am here to support you through education to help you survive."
B) "It is important to plan for your death, even though there is a chance you will survive."
C) "You should face the reality of the situation. You do not have a good chance of survival."
D) "I am going to speak with your family regarding your unrealistic expectations."
Answer: A
This client is in the earliest stages of cancer treatment, with removal of the primary tumor about to take place. The nurse's role is to support this client's optimism and help in fighting the disease by teaching about nutrition and other supportive actions the client can take to minimize complications of treatment. While the prognosis may be poor, the outcome is not absolute, and the client's wish to do whatever is necessary to survive should be supported. Emphasizing the low survival rate, encouraging the client to prepare for death, and talking with the family about the client's unrealistic expectations would not support the client's optimism.
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