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Question

Difficulty: MediumGrief and Loss

A client with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has just been transitioned to comfort care measures. The client's adult child yells at the practical nurse (PN), "You are all just giving up! There must be another medication you can try!" Which response by the PN is the most therapeutic?

  1. It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed and upset about this transition.Answer
  2. B
    We are not giving up; we are shifting the focus to keeping your parent comfortable.
  3. C
    It is common to experience the anger stage of grief right now, but this will pass.
  4. D
    Why do you feel that the healthcare team is not doing enough for your parent?

Answer

The response that reflects and validates the family member's feelings of being overwhelmed and upset.
The correct answer uses reflection to acknowledge and validate the family member's underlying feelings of being overwhelmed and upset. This technique demonstrates empathy and keeps the lines of communication open, allowing the family member to express their anticipatory grief safely without feeling judged.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the family member's statement and emotional state.
The family member is experiencing anticipatory grief and expressing it through anger and denial.
Recognizing the underlying emotion is essential for selecting an appropriate therapeutic response.
2
Evaluate the options against therapeutic communication principles.
The correct response uses reflection and empathy. Other options are defensive, use 'why' questions, or inappropriately attempt to categorize the grief.
Validating feelings encourages open communication and builds trust without being dismissive or argumentative.

Key Concept

Therapeutic communication and anticipatory grief
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Topics

Grief and Loss

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