A patient with end-stage renal disease and severe cardiomyopathy deteriorates after every hemodialysis treatment. The health care provider asks if hemodialysis treatments should be continued, to which the spouse responds by asking when the patient is going to be well enough to return home. What does the spouse's statement indicate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. The spouse thinks the patient will recover or "get well" enough to go home. No one has mentioned dying.
2. The spouse does want to take the patient home; however, he does not understand the severity of the patient's illness.
3. There is no information to suggest that the patient has been consulted regarding continuation of hemodialysis treatments.
4. The patient's condition is deteriorating, and the health care provider focuses on the continuation of treatments but does not explain why this is being discussed. The spouse's response indicates a misunderstanding about the patient's condition.

A Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease and Severe Cardiomyopathy Deteriorates