A terminal patient in a skilled nursing home has stated that he does not want to get out of bed, because he is too tired and weak to sit in a chair. He sleeps on and off all day and night, his position is changed every 2 hours, and he is comfortable on his pain regimen. The next day the nurse will:

A. This option assumes that the doctor does not inform patients about terminal illnesses, which may not necessarily be the case. It is more likely that the patient is in denial rather than the doctor not disclosing the diagnosis.

B. Denial is a common defense mechanism in response to distressing or overwhelming information. The patient's statement suggests denial of the terminal diagnosis despite being informed by the doctor. Denial allows individuals to avoid confronting the reality of their situation and can serve as a protective mechanism to cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis.

C. While it may be important for the patient to have an understanding of their prognosis in order to make informed decisions and final arrangements, pushing the patient to accept the reality of their terminal illness before they are ready may not be helpful and can cause distress.

D. Avoiding conversation about the disease or symptoms may not address the underlying issue of denial and may hinder open communication between the patient and healthcare team. It is important for the nurse to provide support and opportunities for the patient to discuss their feelings and concerns about their illness, while also respecting their coping mechanisms.

A. Brain death: Brain death refers to the irreversible cessation of all brain activity, indicating the end of life. It is not related to the type of grief that occurs before an actual loss.

B. Anticipatory: Anticipatory grief refers to the grief and mourning that occur before an anticipated loss, such as when a loved one is terminally ill or nearing the end of life. It allows individuals to begin the grieving process before the actual loss occurs, which can help them prepare emotionally and psychologically for the inevitable outcome.

C. Bereavement: Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and adjustment after the loss of a loved one. It occurs after the actual loss, not before it.

D. Dysfunction: Dysfunction typically refers to impaired or abnormal functioning. It does not describe the type of grief that occurs before an actual loss.