A client diagnosed with terminal cancer says, “I’m going to die, and I wish my family would stop hoping for a cure. I get so angry when they carry on like this.
After all, I’m the one who’s dying.”. Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?

Choice A rationale
Avoiding eye contact to prevent confusion is incorrect. Eye contact is an important aspect of effective communication and helps to establish a connection with the client. Avoiding eye contact can make the client feel ignored or unimportant, which can hinder understanding and trust.
Choice B rationale
Speaking quickly to maintain the client’s attention is incorrect. Clients with cognitive impairment may have difficulty processing information quickly. Speaking slowly and clearly allows the client more time to understand and respond to the information being communicated.
Choice C rationale
Allowing the client extra time to respond is correct. Clients with cognitive impairment may need additional time to process information and formulate a response. Allowing extra time helps to ensure that the client fully understands the information and can respond appropriately.
Choice D rationale
Using complex sentences to stimulate cognitive function is incorrect. Simple and clear communication is more effective for clients with cognitive impairment. Complex sentences can be confusing and difficult for the client to understand, which can hinder effective communication.

Choice A rationale
A 30-year-old male patient with an active GI bleed requiring multiple blood transfusions is not suitable for assignment to an LPN. This patient is unstable and requires close monitoring and frequent assessments, which are beyond the LPN’s scope of practice. The RN should manage this patient to ensure proper care and timely interventions.
Choice B rationale
A 55-year-old male patient who is post-surgery and ready for discharge, requiring discharge instructions, is also not suitable for assignment to an LPN. Discharge instructions involve comprehensive education and assessment of the patient’s understanding, which are responsibilities of the RN. The RN must ensure the patient comprehends the instructions and can safely manage their care at home.
Choice C rationale
A 40-year-old diabetic patient requiring re-teaching on insulin administration is the best choice for assignment to an LPN. This patient is stable and the task of re-teaching insulin administration falls within the LPN’s scope of practice. The LPN can effectively provide education and ensure the patient understands how to administer insulin correctly.
Choice D rationale
A newly admitted patient is not suitable for assignment to an LPN. New admissions require comprehensive assessments and care planning, which are responsibilities of the RN. The RN must evaluate the patient’s condition, develop a care plan, and initiate appropriate interventions.