A nurse cares for a client with end-stage pancreatic cancer. The client asks, "Why is this happening to me?" How should the nurse respond?
a. "I don't know. I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't."
b. "It's important to keep a positive attitude for your family right now."
c. "Scientists have not determined why cancer develops in certain people."
d. "I think that this is a trial so you can become a better person because of it."
ANS: A
The client is not asking the nurse to actually explain why the cancer has occurred. The client may be expressing his or her feelings of confusion, frustration, distress, and grief related to this diagnosis. Reminding the client to keep a positive attitude for his or her family does not address the client's emotions or current concerns. The nurse should validate that there is no easy or straightforward answer as to why the client has cancer. Telling a client that cancer is a trial is untrue and may diminish the client-nurse relationship.
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