The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient whose family is insistent that additional chemotherapy be administered even though the patient will most likely die within the next few days. What is the best response of the nurse?
A) "The insurance company will not pay for chemotherapy at this stage."
B) "The focus right now needs to be on keeping your loved one comfortable."
C) "I will call the physician and let him know that you would like to restart chemotherapy."
D) "The patient needs to get stronger first before chemotherapy can be administered."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse must function as the patient's advocate and encourage what is in the best interest of the patient. Chemotherapy will not extend the patient's life when death is expected within the next few days and will only make the patient suffer needlessly when it is administered. The patient will not get stronger over the next few days, and this criterion for chemotherapy will never be met.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Terminally Ill Patient Whose