Author Question: The 70-year-old client with terminal lung cancer tells the nurse, I am dying because I sinned by ... (Read 73 times)

ashley · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The 70-year-old client with terminal lung cancer tells the nurse, I am dying because I sinned by smoking cigarettes.. What is the nurse's best response to this dying client?

1. You are correct, but it is too late to do anything about it now..
2. When you started smoking cigarettes, we didn't know about the problems they cause. It is not your fault..
3. Why don't we call the hospital chaplain and you can pray about your sins?
4. Smoking cigarettes isn't a sin. There are many worse habits you could have..

Question 2

A client is seeking care for weight gain and foamy, dark urine. During data collection, the nurse learns that the client was ill with a severe sore throat 4 weeks ago and was treated.

Which of the following statements by the client suggests a teaching plan by the nurse? 1. I have been trying to get plenty of rest since I have been sick..
2. I felt better after one week of the antibiotics, so I stopped taking them..
3. I have changed to a more nutritious diet..
4. I have gained weight in the last two weeks..

paavo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2. When you started smoking cigarettes, we didn't know about the problems they cause. It is not your fault..

Rationale:
This client is in distress and is seeking forgiveness. The nurse should offer this forgiveness and a reason the forgiveness is valid. If the nurse tells the client that it is too late to do anything about the problem, there is a possibility that distress will increase. Suggesting that the hospital chaplain be called for prayer reinforces that smoking cigarettes is a sin. Saying there are worse habits minimizes the client's concerns and does not offer forgiveness.

Answer to Question 2

2. I felt better after one week of the antibiotics, so I stopped taking them..

Rationale:
The client probably had strep throat and did not take the full course of antibiotics, which accounts for the current symptoms that indicate glomerulonephritis. The nurse teaches this client about the importance of taking medications as prescribed to prevent further complications of a disease. Resting when ill is appropriate as is changing to a more nutritious diet. Gaining weight would support the nurse's suspicion that the client has glomerulonephritis.