A mother of a child in the terminal stages of AIDS tells the nurse that her child wants to celebrate his birthday early because he wont be here on his birthday. Which is the best response the nurse can make to this mother?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dying children know they are dying. Disclosure of awareness of death comes in various ways and needs to be identified by the family and the nurse. The major concern is the childs disclosure of awareness of death, not the husbands reaction. Making statements such as giving in is inappropriate when seeking information. Manipulation is not a major concern during the terminal stage of disease.

A Mother of a Child in the Terminal Stages of AIDS