The nurse becomes tearful at the death of a patient. What would ...

[luvbio]

The nurse becomes tearful at the death of a patient. What would be the most appropriate response of the nurse?
 
  a. Leave the room so that the family will not witness the unprofessional behavior.
  b. Touch the hand of the daughter and say, We'll miss your dad.
  c. Become occupied with rearranging a floral bouquet until emotions are under control.
  d. Ask family members to leave the room so the post mortem care can be provided.

Question 2

The distraught wife of a terminally ill patient complains to the nurse, My husband has not been shaved, and he has that miserable gown on instead of his own pajamas. Don't you people care about things like that?
 
  What would be the best response of the nurse?
  a. I delayed his morning care because he was sleeping comfortably. I'll complete his care now that he's awake.
  b. We're running late today and I have six other patients to care for. What do you want?
  c. Of course we care Someone will come to do his care before lunch.
  d. I'm sorry you feel we're doing such a poor job. I'm doing my best.

[bd5255]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Showing that the nurse is experiencing a loss also helps the family deal with their grief. Showing empathetic emotion is not unprofessional.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Listening to criticism without defensiveness and giving a prompt response to requests with an explanation shows the nurse's concern for meeting the needs of the dying person and of the distressed family members.