The spouse of a dying client is sitting quietly in the client’s room,

The spouse of a dying client is sitting quietly in the client’s room, looking at the floor. What can the nurse do to help the client and spouse during this time?

1. Encourage the spouse to move closer to the client, if desired.
2. Permit the spouse to sit alone.
3. Leave the spouse and client in the room alone together as much as possible.
4. Recommend that the spouse return home to get some rest.
5. Suggest the spouse read to the client, if desired.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 5
Rationale 1: The dying and the family must be allowed as much privacy as they desire in order to meet their needs for physical and emotional intimacy.
Rationale 2: The nurse should not ignore the spouse.
Rationale 3: The dying client and the family must be allowed as much privacy as they desire in order to meet their needs for physical and emotional intimacy.
Rationale 4: The nurse should not recommend that the spouse return home to get rest.
Rationale 5: Family members should be encouraged to participate in the physical care of the dying person as much as they wish to and are able. The nurse can suggest they assist with bathing, speak or read to the client, and hold hands.