A Terminally Ill Patient Is Asking Questions About Death and What

question 17

Multiple Choice

A terminally ill patient is asking questions about death and what it will be like. The nurse is not comfortable with the conversation but wants to support the patient. Which of the following should the nurse do?

• A) Remind the patient that death is the great unknown and that no one can answer his questions
• B) Tell the patient that no one knows what death is like
• C) Ask the patient if it would be alright to invite a clergy member to discuss his questions with him
• D) Suggest that the patient focus on living instead of dying

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Definitions:

Medicare

A federal program in the United States that provides health insurance to individuals who are 65 years old and above, as well as to some younger people with disabilities.

Health Care Services

are a range of services provided by professionals to maintain or improve an individual's health, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Social Security

A government program that provides monetary assistance to people with an inadequate or no income.

Aggregate U.S. Health Care Spending

The total amount of money spent on health care services in the United States over a specified period.