Your patient has just been told that her illness is terminal. The patient states, "I can't believe I am going to die. Why me?" What is your best response?
A) "I know how you are feeling."
B) "You have lived a long life."
C) "This must be very difficult for you."
D) "Life can be so unfair."
Ans: C
Feedback: The most important intervention the nurse can provide is listening empathetically. To communicate effectively, the nurse should ask open-ended questions and acknowledge the patient's fears. This makes options A, B, and D incorrect.
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