A terminally ill patient tells the nurse that he expects to "suffer" during his last days on earth since that explains his humanity and that he is still "alive." The nurse realizes that the patient is experiencing which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Constant pain may cause a spiritual crisis as the patient tries to find meaning in suffering. Patients may begin to question their lives in an attempt to explain their pain. The patient states that he expects to suffer and this means he is still alive and human. These comments are efforts to explain the purpose of his pain. These comments do not demonstrate confusion, irrational behavior, or lack of oxygen to the cerebral tissues.

A Terminally Ill Patient Tells the Nurse That He Expects