A patient newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer says, "My father also died of pancreatic cancer. I took care of him during his illness. I can't go through that." Select the highest priority nursing diagnosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's statement has a subtle message of suicide. Suicide is a risk for people with major losses, including terminal disease. The nurse will need to monitor the suicide risk vigilantly. The other diagnoses may apply but are lower priority.

A Patient Newly Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer Says, "My Father