The parents of a child who is dying ask the nurse that the child not be told that he will not recover. The child asks the nurse if he is dying. Which of the following would be the most appropriate action by the nurse at this time?
1. Tell the child he is dying and offer to stay with him
2. Offer to bring in the child life therapist
3. Ignore the child's question and change the subject
4. Suggest a meeting with the health care team to the parents
4. Suggest a meeting with the health care team to the parents
Rationale:
Offering to set up a meeting with the health care team to discuss the parents' fears and concerns about telling their child the truth is the best action by the nurse. Telling the child he is dying would be going against the parents' wishes. Avoiding the subject is not an option. Changing the subject or ignoring the child is not appropriate. The nurse should explain that the parents will talk to the child about this. The child has asked the nurse, but because the child is a minor, the nurse must consult with the parents first. Legally they cannot talk to the child.
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