A 40-year-old divorced mother of four school-age children is hospitalized with metastatic cancer of the ovary. The nurse finds the patient crying, and she tells the nurse that she does not know what will happen to her children when she dies. The most appropriate response by the nurse is
This response expresses the nurse’s willingness to listen and recognizes the patient’s concern. The responses beginning “Many patients with cancer live for a long time” and “For now you need to concentrate on getting well” close off discussion of the topic and indicate that the nurse is uncomfortable with the topic. In addition, the patient with metastatic ovarian cancer may not have a long time to plan. Although it is possible that the patient’s ex-husband will take the children, more assessment information is needed before making plans
“Why don’t we talk about the options you have for the care of your children?”
“Many patients with cancer live for a long time, so there is time to plan for your children.”
“For now you need to concentrate on getting well, not worry about your children.”
“Perhaps your ex-husband will take the children when you can’t care for them.”