A dying patient tells the nurse, Don't let my family leave me. ...

[scienceeasy]

A dying patient tells the nurse, Don't let my family leave me. What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?
 
  1. fear of dying alone
  2. the anticipation of improving in health
  3. the need for the family to see the patient improve
  4. the desire to prolong life

Question 2

The patient states, My husband is the person you should talk with if I am not able to make decisions about my care. What should the nurse realize the spouse has been designated to be?
 
  1. the person who has the patient's living will
  2. the healthcare surrogate
  3. the person with the durable power of attorney
  4. nothing more than the spouse

[elyse44]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Family members are often afraid to be present at the time of death, yet dying alone is the greatest fear expressed by patients. There is no information provided to indicate there will be a recovery or improvement in the patient's condition. While the patient may wish to live longer, these behaviors are consistent with a fear of dying alone.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2

A healthcare surrogate is the person selected by the patient to make medical decisions when the patient is no longer able to make them for him- or herself. The patient would have been asked to provide a copy of a living will or documentation of any legal designations, such as a durable power of attorney for health care. Durable power of attorney does not confer decision-making power related to health. This specifically needs to be a healthcare power of attorney.