A terminally ill client is described by her family as "strong.". The client tells the nurse that her life

Question

has been good. She is proud of being self-educated and rising to the top of her profession.

She states
she has overcome many adversities by the sheer force of willpower and that her philosophy of giving
the best and expecting things to turn out well has been effective. She adds "I intend to die as I lived:
optimistic.". From this, the nurse planning care for the client would assess a critical need to
a. provide aggressive pain and symptom management.
b. help the client reassess and explore existing conflicts.
c. assist the client to focus on the meaning in life and death.
d. support the client's use of her own resources to meet challenges.

Answer 1

D
The client whose intrinsic strength and endurance have been a hallmark often wishes to approach
dying by staying optimistic and in control. Helping the client use her own resources to meet
challenges would be appropriate. Option A is important for all clients, but less of a factor than
supporting use of the client's own strengths. Options B and C: This client would not find these
activities particularly meaningful.