When a Patient Admitted for Terminal Care Is Asked by the Admitting

question 6

Multiple Choice

When a patient admitted for terminal care is asked by the admitting nurse, "What has your doctor told you about your illness?" the patient states, "She says that I have a terminal illness, but I know she's wrong." The nurse recognizes that:

• A) the patient has a doctor who does not tell patients when they have a terminal illness.
• B) the patient is in denial and is unable to consciously admit what he has been told by the doctor.
• C) the patient needs to be told that he doesn't have long to live so that he can make his final arrangements.
• D) she will have to avoid all conversation that refers to his disease or symptoms so as not to increase his anxiety.