A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with end-stage liver cancer. Which response is an indication the client is in the denial phase of the grief process?
“The doctor says I only have a few months to live, but I know he is exaggerating to get me to take my medication.”
“I can’t believe the doctor graduated from medical school. He doesn’t know a thing about treating cancer!”
“Even though I am not hurting right now, I don’t feel like I have the energy to get out of bed.”
“The doctor has been so good to me. I know he has tried everything he can. It is just my time.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement reflects denial, which is a common initial reaction in the grief process. The client is not accepting the reality of their prognosis and believes the doctor is exaggerating. Denial serves as a defense mechanism to protect the individual from the emotional impact of the diagnosis. It is a way for the client to cope with the overwhelming news by rejecting its truth.

Choice B reason: This statement reflects anger, another stage in the grief process. The client is expressing disbelief and frustration towards the doctor’s competence. Anger often follows denial and is directed towards others as a way to cope with the emotional pain. It is not indicative of denial but rather a progression in the grieving process.
Choice C reason: This statement reflects acceptance of the physical symptoms and the reality of the client’s condition. The client acknowledges their lack of energy and the impact of the illness on their daily life. This is not a sign of denial but rather an acceptance of their current state.
Choice D reason: This statement reflects acceptance and gratitude towards the doctor. The client recognizes the efforts made by the healthcare team and accepts that their time is limited. This is a sign of acceptance, the final stage in the grief process, where the individual comes to terms with their situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Prolonging the life of a client is not the primary focus of palliative care. While palliative care can sometimes extend life by improving overall well-being and reducing stress, its main goal is to enhance the quality of life by managing symptoms and providing comfort12. Palliative care is not primarily aimed at life extension but rather at ensuring that patients live as well as possible despite their illness.
Choice B Reason:
Controlling symptoms and providing comfort is the core focus of palliative care. This type of care aims to alleviate pain and other distressing symptoms, such as nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue12. Palliative care also addresses emotional, social, and spiritual needs, helping patients and their families cope with the challenges of serious illness. By focusing on comfort and quality of life, palliative care supports patients in living as fully as possible.
Choice C Reason:
Replacing other treatments for an illness is not the focus of palliative care. Palliative care is designed to complement, not replace, other medical treatments12. It can be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments, offering additional support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The goal is to provide a holistic approach to care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s well-being.
Choice D Reason:
Curing a serious illness is not the aim of palliative care. Palliative care is appropriate for patients at any stage of a serious illness, whether or not a cure is possible12. Its primary focus is on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life, rather than on curing the illness. This approach helps patients and their families navigate the complexities of serious health conditions with greater ease and support.
Correct Answer is ["1"]
Explanation
We know:
- The prescribed dose is 25 mg.
- The available concentration is 125 mg per 5 mL.
Step 2 is to set up the calculation.
We will use the formula: (Desired Dose in mL) = (Prescribed Dose in mg × Volume Available in mL) ÷ Concentration Available in mg
Step 3 is to plug in the values into the formula.
(Desired Dose in mL) = (25 mg × 5 mL) ÷ 125 mg
Step 4 is to perform the multiplication first.
25 mg × 5 mL = 125
Step 5 is to perform the division.
125 ÷ 125 mg = 1 mL
Step 6 is the result.
The nurse should administer 1 mL per dose.
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