Author Question: A nurse is caring for a male who has been informed of a prognosis of only several months before ... (Read 51 times)

Sufayan.ah · **on:** Jul 7, 2018

A nurse is caring for a male who has been informed of a prognosis of only several months before death. He wants to return to his home with hospice care. He has a wife and two daughters who do not support this decision.

Which of the following communication principles should guide the nurse during this family situation? 1. A nurse guides families by staying focused solely on the patient's needs and wishes.
2. Families need to be informed that they are unable to provide the quality care needed in the home.
3. Exploring the family's beliefs about hospice, death, and their role can help families make decisions.
4. Helping family members understand the benefits of a patient dying at home produces the best outcomes.

Question 2

Julie is a 42-year-old wife and mother who has recently experienced a mastectomy for breast cancer. The nurse enters the room to check vital signs and sees tears in the eyes of Julie and her husband.

Which of the following statements by the nurse reflect accurate understanding of approaches to communication in a therapeutic relationship? 1. I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. It is probably best if we wait and talk about your concerns when you a little stronger.
2. I think it will be helpful if you both remain hopeful and stay focused on the positive.
3. I know this is a stressful time for you; would you like to visit with the chaplain?
4. You seem to be troubled, which is understandable. In what ways can I be the most helpful to you at this time?

Sweetkitty24130 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 7, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3

Feedback
1 At times the nurse guides a family by helping a family understand the unique needs and wishes of the entire family. This often helps resolve family conflicts and increase awareness of multiple perceptions in a family.
2 Taking the approach of telling a family the action to take limits their choices and support for a decision.
3 Examining families' beliefs is important to family decision-making. The unique beliefs of the family members must be explored for a family to reach consensus.
4 At times a family member's choices related to end-of-life care are best met at home, and at other times they are best met by the health-care system.

Answer to Question 2

4

Feedback
1 Waiting to talk about concerns may not be the family's choice. It may be difficult to have patient and husband focused on this topic in the future.
2 Encouraging a family to stay hopeful and positive does not acknowledge their current experience.
3 Referring the family to the pastor may not match their spiritual needs, and the chaplain may not have the information they need at this time.
4 Calling attention to their distress acknowledges their experience. Allowing the family to indicate their priority concerns at this time and offering assistance in the area the family chooses allows them to direct the conversation. This statement allows the family to gain trust in the nurse.