The nurse is part of the health care team at an oncology center. A patient has been diagnosed with leukemia and the prognosis is poor, but the patient is not yet aware of the prognosis. How can the bad news best be conveyed to the patient?
A) Family should be given the prognosis first.
B) The prognosis should be delivered with the patient at eye level.
C) The physician should deliver the news to the patient alone.
D) The appointment should be scheduled at the end of the day.
Ans: B
Feedback:
Communicating about a life-threatening diagnosis should be done in a team setting at eye level with the patient. The family cannot be notified first because that would breech patient confidentiality. The family may be present at the patient's request. The appointment should be scheduled when principles can all be in attendance and unrushed.
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