A patient with metastasized cancer says to the nurse,"I've been reading about some of the cancer research,and I am still hoping for a cure in the next few months." In formulating a response to the patient,which should the nurse consider first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Having "hope against hope" may not mean that the patient is in denial,but rather that he or she is using denial as an adaptive defense mechanism.The nurse should first consider what purpose confrontation would serve at this time.

A Patient with Metastasized Cancer Says to the Nurse,"I've Been