A client who recently required advanced cardiac life support after exp

A client who recently required advanced cardiac life support after experiencing a myocardial in-farction shares with the nurse that, “I could hear voices talking about me dying and then there was this brightly lighted tunnel.”

Which of the following statements made by the nurse shows the best understanding of therapeu-tic communication regarding a client’s near-death experience?
1. “Tell me more about what you saw and heard.”
2. “What you are describing is called a near-death experience.”
3. “Many clients who have been clinically dead have those types of memories.”
4. “What you are describing is most likely a result of the drugs you were given.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Clients who have a near-death experience are often reluctant to discuss it, thinking family or caregivers will not understand. However, individuals experiencing a near-death experience who discuss it with family or caregivers find acceptance and meaning from this powerful experience. By encouraging the client to discuss the experience, the nurse is providing therapeutic care in an accepting manner. The remaining options close the communication opportunity by providing a reason for the event.