A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with end-stage liver cancer. Which response is an indication the client is in the denial phase of the grief process?
“The doctor says I only have a few months to live, but I know he is exaggerating to get me to take my medication.”
“I can’t believe the doctor graduated from medical school. He doesn’t know a thing about treating cancer!”
“Even though I am not hurting right now, I don’t feel like I have the energy to get out of bed.”
“The doctor has been so good to me. I know he has tried everything he can. It is just my time.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement reflects denial, which is a common initial reaction in the grief process. The client is not accepting the reality of their prognosis and believes the doctor is exaggerating. Denial serves as a defense mechanism to protect the individual from the emotional impact of the diagnosis. It is a way for the client to cope with the overwhelming news by rejecting its truth.

Choice B reason: This statement reflects anger, another stage in the grief process. The client is expressing disbelief and frustration towards the doctor’s competence. Anger often follows denial and is directed towards others as a way to cope with the emotional pain. It is not indicative of denial but rather a progression in the grieving process.
Choice C reason: This statement reflects acceptance of the physical symptoms and the reality of the client’s condition. The client acknowledges their lack of energy and the impact of the illness on their daily life. This is not a sign of denial but rather an acceptance of their current state.
Choice D reason: This statement reflects acceptance and gratitude towards the doctor. The client recognizes the efforts made by the healthcare team and accepts that their time is limited. This is a sign of acceptance, the final stage in the grief process, where the individual comes to terms with their situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Date of birth is an acceptable client identifier. The Joint Commission specifies that using the date of birth helps ensure accurate identification of the client. This identifier is unique to each individual and is less likely to be duplicated.
Choice B Reason:
Photograph identification is not typically listed as an acceptable identifier by the Joint Commission. While it can be useful in some settings, it is not one of the primary identifiers recommended for ensuring patient safety.
Choice C Reason:
Facility room number is not an acceptable client identifier. The Joint Commission explicitly states that room numbers should not be used as identifiers because they can change and are not unique to the individual.
Choice D Reason:
Client’s full name is an acceptable client identifier. Using the full name helps to accurately identify the client and match them with their medical records and treatment plans.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Lubricate the suction catheter tip with sterile saline is important to ensure smooth insertion and reduce trauma to the tracheal mucosa. However, this is not the first step. Preoxygenation is crucial to prevent hypoxia during the suctioning process.
Choice B Reason:
Perform chest physiotherapy prior to suctioning can help mobilize secretions, making them easier to remove. While beneficial, it is not the immediate first step. Ensuring the client is adequately oxygenated takes precedence.
Choice C Reason:
Hyperventilate the client on 100% oxygen prior to suctioning is correct. This step is essential to prevent hypoxia during suctioning. Suctioning can temporarily reduce oxygen levels, so preoxygenating the client helps maintain adequate oxygenation throughout the procedure.
Choice D Reason:
Suction two to three times with a 60-second pause between passes is a recommended practice to allow the client to recover between suctioning attempts. However, this step follows the initial preoxygenation.
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