The nurse in the emergency department cared for a patient who had ...

[altibaby]

The nurse in the emergency department cared for a patient who had a fatal heart attack. The nurse goes to meet the family in the private waiting room. The nurse is acting most appropriately when responding
 
  a. What do you know about what happened today?
  b. I'm so sorry but your loved one has died.
  c. We did all we could, but unfortunately it was not enough.
  d. Is there someone I can call for you?

Question 2

An older patient on chemotherapy is in the oncology clinic for follow-up. The nurse notes the patient appears depressed. What action by the nurse should occur first?
 
  a. Assess the patient for depression.
  b. Review the patient's chemotherapy.
  c. Ask the patient about suicidal ideation.
  d. Inquire how the patient has been feeling.

[cloudre37]

Answer to Question 1

A
Asking the family to recount what they know of the events helps them actualize the death, the first step in accepting the event. This allows the family to tell their story, at which point the nurse picks up with what happened in the emergency department. This also gives the family some time to prepare for the news of the death. Immediately stating the patient has died offers no prepara-tion and will come as a great shock. Stating that what was done was not enough may imply that more could have been done. Asking to call for support may be confusing, as the family does not yet know the patient has died.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse should assess the patient for depression; however, prior to doing so, the nurse should review the patient's chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause depression, and it may be a confusing picture. Depending on the results of the screening, asking about self-harm may be appropriate. Inquiring how the patient is feeling is appropriate, but it is not the most important action.