A nurse who experienced the death of her own husband is caring for a patient who is near death. She provides physical care to the patient and leaves the room. The wife is sitting at the bedside, holding the patient's hand. Which of the following is occurring with the nurse in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nurses may become overwhelmed by the experience of death that patients and families are facing as well. There may be situations, for example, where the patient is the same age as the nurse or as the nurse's child, causing the nurse deep psychological or emotional pain Nurses may use defense mechanisms to allay their personal discomfort, including focusing only on the physical care needs of patients, rather than caring for the whole person. The nurse is not providing the patient and wife with time alone, nor demonstrating concern with the patient's pain. The nurse has no way of knowing if death is near.

A Nurse Who Experienced the Death of Her Own Husband