The family members of a client with a terminal illness tell a nurse that the client keeps asking if she is dying. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Whenever she asks about dying, change the subject."
b. "Tell her the truth in as gentle a way as possible."
c. "Tell her that she will get better eventual-ly."
d. "Ask her if she is afraid to die."
B
Being honest and truthful at such a time is important. It helps the client develop trust in those caring for her. Changing the subject will frustrate the client and may make her distrustful. Pro-viding false hope is not a realistic intervention. Asking a pointed question often will not elicit the information that you want from the client. It is better to ask open-ended questions.
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