Question

A terminally ill patient tells the nurse, Life has been good. I am proud of being self-educated. I overcame adversity with willpower. I always gave my best and expected things to turn out well. I intend to die as I lived: optimistically. The nurse planning care for this patient recognizes a critical need to:

a. provide aggressive pain and symptom management.
b. help the patient reassess and explore existing conflicts.
c. assist the patient to focus on the meaning in life and death.
d. support the patient's use of personal resources to meet challenges.

Answer 1

Supporting the terminally ill patient's use of personal resources to meet challenges is aligned with their desire to maintain optimism; this is central to providing dignified care consistent with their values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse planning care for a terminally ill patient who wishes to die optimistically should support the patient's use of personal resources to meet challenges. This approach aligns with the patient's expressed desire to maintain an optimistic view of life and death. Given the patient's sense of pride in self-education and overcoming adversity with willpower, it is important to provide care that respects the patient's autonomy and personal coping strategies. Hospice care may be a consideration, with a focus on comfort and allowing the patient to spend their final days in a manner consistent with their values.

While aggressive pain and symptom management, helping the patient reassess conflicts, and assisting them to focus on the meaning in life and death are all aspects of end-of-life care, supporting the patient's resilience and optimism is most critical. Doing so honors the patient's life narrative and supports their dignity as they face the end of life.