A widowed mother of four school-age children is hospitalized with metastatic ovarian cancer. The patient is crying and tells the nurse that she does not know what will happen to her children when she dies. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Why don't we talk about the options you have for the care of your children?"
b. "I'm sure you have friends that will take the children when you can't care for them."
c. "For now you need to concentrate on getting well and not worrying about your children."
d. "Many patients with cancer live for a long time, so there is still time to plan for your children."
ANS: A
This response expresses the nurse's willingness to listen and recognizes the patient's concern. The responses beginning "Many patients with cancer live for a long time" and "For now you need to concentrate on getting well" close off discussion of the topic and indicate that the nurse is uncomfortable with the topic. In addition, the patient with metastatic ovarian cancer may not have a long time to plan. Although it is possible that the patient's friends will take the children, more assessment information is needed before making plans.
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