A client with pancreatic cancer is receiving chemotherapy even though prognosis is grim. How does the nurse explain the rationale for this treatment?

Question

1. "It is a long shot, but maybe the chemotherapy will cure him."
2. "Sometimes the chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumor."
3. "We just hate to give up on him. He is such a nice man."
4. "Chemotherapy can sometimes reduce the pain."
5. "Hopefully, the chemotherapy will improve his quality of life."

Answer 1

2,4,5
Rationale 1: If the client has a grim prognosis related to pancreatic cancer, it is not ethical to give the family false hope.
Rationale 2: Chemotherapy is sometimes given to reduce tumor size and help to reduce problems associated with the pressure the tumor is exerting on adjacent structures.
Rationale 3: Use of the term "give up on him" is not therapeutic. It may confuse the family when it comes time to discontinue the chemotherapy.
Rationale 4: Pain reduction is a common reason for administering chemotherapy to a client with a poor prognosis.
Rationale 5: Palliative chemotherapy is administered to improve the client's quality of life.
Global Rationale: Chemotherapy is sometimes given to reduce tumor size and help to reduce problems associated with the pressure the tumor is exerting on adjacent structures. Pain reduction is a common reason for administering chemotherapy to a client with a poor prognosis. Palliative chemotherapy is administered to improve the client's quality of life. If the client has a grim prognosis related to pancreatic cancer, it is not ethical to give the family false hope. Use of the term "give up on him" is not therapeutic. It may confuse the family when it comes time to discontinue the chemotherapy.