Author Question: The parents of a child with terminal cancer ask the nurse that the child not be told that he will ... (Read 107 times)

jilianpiloj · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The parents of a child with terminal cancer ask the nurse that the child not be told that he will not recover. The child asks the nurse if he is dying. What should the nurse do at this time?

A) Suggest a meeting with the healthcare team and the parents.
B) Offer to bring in the child life therapist to help explain the situation.
C) Tell the child he is dying and offer to stay with him.
D) Ignore the child's question and change the subject.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client recovering from a wedge resection of the left lung for a tumor. What would be appropriate goals for the nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance?

Select all that apply.
A) Minimize accumulation of fluid.
B) Participation in care by the client
C) Maintain a patent airway.
D) Maintain current weight.
E) Express feelings and concerns.

dpost18 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A

Offering to set up a meeting with the healthcare 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.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A, C

All of the outcomes for this client are viable, but appropriate outcomes for the diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance are maintaining a patent airway and minimizing the accumulation of fluid.