While working in a hospice unit, a nurse is caring for a client with metastatic bone cancer who is experiencing periods of severe breakthrough pain. The client's adult child approaches the nurse in the hallway, crying, and states, 'I cannot stand seeing my parent suffer like this anymore. The provider said there are only a few days left. Can't you just give an extra-large dose of morphine to make this end faster?' What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
- It must be agonizing to watch someone you love suffer. Let's review the current plan for managing the pain.Answer
- BI know this is incredibly difficult, but it is against the law for me to administer medications to hasten death.
- CWhy do you feel that ending your parent's life prematurely is the best solution for their pain?
- DTry not to worry; the healthcare team is doing everything possible to keep your parent comfortable.
Answer
The nurse should acknowledge and validate the family member's emotional distress while redirecting the conversation to collaborative comfort measures.
The correct statement demonstrates the therapeutic communication techniques of acknowledging feelings and offering collaboration. By validating the adult child's emotional pain without judgment, the nurse builds rapport and trust. Redirecting the conversation to the interventions being used addresses the root of the family member's distress—the client's suffering—without becoming defensive or arguing about the unethical request to hasten death.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Therapeutic Communication in High-Stress Scenarios