A client who has been diagnosed with cancer asks the nurse, “If I take

QUESTION

A client who has been diagnosed with cancer asks the nurse, “If I take the chemotherapy, will I be cured, or am I going to die anyway?” The nurse’s best response is

a. “Tell me what prompted your question.”
b. “I don’t think you should have chemotherapy; it will harm you more than help you.”
c. “Let’s not talk about dying; I’m sure you will be cured.”
d. “I really don’t think you should worry about such things; it isn’t something you can control.”

ANSWER:

ANS: A
It is difficult to directly answer stress-related questions about uncertainties, like, “If I take the chemotherapy, will I be cured, or am I going to die anyway?” The reality is that there may be no single answer. It helps to ask the client what prompted the question and to have a good idea of the client’s level of knowledge before answering. Allowing clients to be in charge of areas and issues that are not at odds with a treatment protocol and helping clients discover the real causes of their frustration can reduce stress through direct action. Clients experiencing stress should be given the opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts, and worries.