A client with end-stage renal disease knows that he is dying but refus

A client with end-stage renal disease knows that he is dying but refuses to talk about it with his spouse. At times the spouse talks with the nursing staff about the client’s condition but adamantly refuses to discuss death with the client.

What will be the outcomes of this situation?

1. Client has dignity
2. Client has privacy
3. Client can finalize affairs
4. Client can plan own funeral
5. Client burdened with no one to confide in

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 5

Rationale: With mutual pretense, the client, family, and health care personnel know that the prognosis is terminal but do not talk about it and make an effort not to raise the subject. Mutual pretense permits the client a degree of dignity.