Nurses may have a difficult time dealing with patient deaths if they
Have no friends among the unit staff
Have not come to terms with their own mortality
Did not foresee that the illness was terminal
Cared for the patient for several days
The Correct Answer is B
A. Have no friends among the unit staff: While having friends among the unit staff can provide emotional support, it is not directly related to a nurse's ability to cope with patient deaths. Support from colleagues can be helpful, but it is not the primary factor influencing a nurse's response to patient deaths.
B. Have not come to terms with their own mortality: This option addresses a significant factor in how nurses cope with patient deaths. Nurses who have unresolved issues or anxiety about their own mortality may find it challenging to deal with the deaths of their patients. Facing one's mortality is an essential aspect of developing resilience in the face of death and dying.
C. Did not foresee that the illness was terminal: While it can be emotionally challenging when a patient's illness unexpectedly becomes terminal, nurses are trained to provide care and support regardless of the prognosis. The ability to cope with patient deaths extends beyond foreseeing the terminal nature of an illness.
D. Cared for the patient for several days: The duration of care provided to a patient may influence the depth of the nurse's emotional connection but does not necessarily determine their ability to cope with patient deaths. Nurses develop coping mechanisms and emotional resilience through experience, training, and self-awareness, rather than simply through the length of time caring for a patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "l can’t believe that doctor graduated from medical school! He doesn’t know a thing about treating cancer. This statement expresses frustration or disbelief towards the doctor's competence rather than denial of the terminal diagnosis.
B. "The doctor has been so good to me. know he has tried everything he can. It is just my time." This statement acknowledges the terminal nature of the illness and indicates acceptance rather than denial.
C. "The doctor says I only have a few months to live, but know he is exaggerating to get me to take my medication. This statement suggests denial by questioning the doctor's prognosis and attributing it to an ulterior motive, such as getting the patient to take medication. The client is unable to accept the reality of the limited life expectancy despite being informed by the doctor.
D. "Even though I am not hurting right now, I don't feel like I have the energy to get Out Of bed."
This statement reflects physical symptoms and lack of energy rather than denial of the illness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This response aligns with best practices in hospice care, which prioritize comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients. Dehydration is a common occurrence at the end of life and is generally not associated with discomfort when managed appropriately. IV fluids or tube feedings may cause discomfort, contribute to fluid overload, or lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
B. While the healthcare proxy may have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the patient, the focus should be on honoring the patient's wishes as expressed in advance directives. If the patient has clearly indicated a preference against IV fluids or tube feedings in their advance directives, this should be respected.
C. Encouraging the family to try to talk the patient into accepting IV fluids or tube feedings goes against the principles of patient autonomy and informed decision-making. The decision regarding medical interventions should be based on the patient's preferences and comfort.
D. While dehydration can be uncomfortable in some circumstances, providing adequate symptom management, including pain medication, is essential in hospice care. However, IV fluids or tube feedings are not typically used to manage dehydration in patients who are at the end of life, as they may not improve comfort and can lead to complications.
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