CHAPTER 30: DYING, DEATH, AND GRIEVING {Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: 8th Edition}

C HAPTER 30: D YING , D EATH , AND G RIEVING
Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric -Mental Health Nu rsing: 8th Edition




MULTIPLE CHOICE


1. A patient diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer says, I'm dying, but I'm
still living. I want to be in control as long as I can. Which repl y shows the
nurse was activel y listening?
a. Our staff will do their best to help you feel comfortable.
b. Most people do not know how to help and are afraid of death.
c. Your mind and spirit are healthy, although your body is frail.
d. You want people to stop focusing on your weaknesses.



ANS: C



The patient is asking for acknowledgment that he or she is not totall y
sick; even in the terminal state, strengths and capabilities are present.
The correct response provides that acknowledgment through use of
reflection. The other resp onses are nontherapeutic.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF: 557-
559 TOP:
Nursing Process: Implementation MSC:
NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrit y



2. A terminall y ill patient says, I know I'm not going to get well, but still
and the patients voice trails off. Which response by the nurse would be
therapeutic?

, a. What do you hope for?
b. No, you're not going to get well.
c. Do you have questions about what is happening?
d. I'm happy you are being realistic about your future.



ANS: A



This open-ended response is an example of following the patients lead.
It provides an opportunit y for the patient to speak about whatever is on
his or her mind. The incorrect options are not therapeutic; they block
further communication, refocus the conversation, give advice, or
suggest the nurse is uncomfortable with the topic.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF:
557-559 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC:
NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrit y



3. A woman whose husband is terminall y ill says, I dont want to c ry in front
of him. I dont want him to know how close he is to death or how sad I am.
Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. You're right to protect him at a time when he is so vulnerable.
b. He might be more comforted than disturbed by your tears.
c. It's important for you to know that time is running out.
d. You definitel y need to be honest about your feelings.



ANS: B



Many people try to protect the dying person from experiencing
emotions; however, emotional honest y is important to both the patien t
and the famil y. The patient may be comforted to know that the famil y

, is facing the inevitable. Giving advice and making judgmental
statements are not helpful.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF:
561-563 TOP: Nursing Process: Implem entation MSC:
NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrit y



4. A famil y of a terminall y ill patient asks the nurse, What can we say when
our famil y member mentions death is coming soon? Which response could
the nurse suggest?
a. We think you will be around for a long time.
b. We don't want you to give up trying to get well.
c. We don't think were ready to talk about this yet.
d. We feel so sad when we think of life without you.



ANS: D



This response is emotionall y honest. It will allow the famil y
opportunities to express emotions and f urther resolve issues in the
relationship and explore end -of-life developmental opportunities. The
incorrect options are evasive.



DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension (Understanding) REF: 563
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NC LEX:
Psychosocial Integrity



5. As death approaches, a patient diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency
s yndrome (AIDS) says, I dont want to see a lot of visitors anymore. Just