A 75-year-old female is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after having a seizure at her home. The woman's son reports she has not been acting normally. She complained of a severe headache and he noted a hand tremor and an unsteady gait. The past few days, she developed a high fever. Upon assessment by the medical team, the woman is not responding verbally. The nurse collects the patient's history from her son, which is notable for a recent camping trip in the woods.
-The patient's son is anxious about his mother's prognosis.He asks the RN if his mother will survive the infection.What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best response is to provide the son with accurate information on the mortality rate of the disease his mother is suffering from. However, it is also important to reassure him that the medical team is doing everything they can to provide the best care possible. Option A suggests deferring the question, which may not provide the son with the information he needs. Option B provides false hope, which may be detrimental to the son's mental state if his mother's condition worsens. Option C is insensitive and premature.

A 75-Year-Old Female Is Brought to the Emergency Department by Ambulance