A pediatric oncology unit is providing palliative care to a 15-year-old client with relapsed, refractory leukemia. The client's parents have explicitly requested that the healthcare team withhold the terminal prognosis from their child. During a routine assessment, the adolescent looks directly at the nurse and asks, "Am I dying?" What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
- Explore the adolescent's thoughts by asking, "What has been happening to make you ask that question today?"Cevap
- BTell the adolescent, "Please try not to worry about that right now; we just need you to focus on resting."
- CReply, "Because you are a minor, I am legally required to have your parents discuss this with you."
- DInstruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to sit with the adolescent and provide a supportive presence.
Cevap
The most appropriate initial action is to use therapeutic communication to explore the adolescent's thoughts by asking an open-ended question about what prompted their concern.
The correct action utilizes therapeutic communication by asking an open-ended question. This strategy allows the nurse to assess the adolescent's current emotional state, validates their concerns, and encourages them to share what they already know or suspect. It effectively maintains the nurse-client trust without forcing the nurse to immediately lie to the client or abruptly violate the parents' request before a family meeting can be arranged.
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Therapeutic Communication and Developmental Considerations in End of Life Care