Question

A patients wife tells the nurse that she wants to be with her husband when he dies. The patients respirations are irregular, and he is congested. The wife tells the nurse that she would like to go home to shower but that she is afraid her husband might die before she returns. Which response by the nurse is best?

1)
Certainly, go ahead; your husband will most likely hold on until you return.
2)
Your husband could live for days or a few hours; you should do whatever you are comfortable with.
3)
You need to take care of yourself; go home and shower, and Ill stay at his bedside while you are gone.
4)
Dont worry. Your husband is in good hands; Ill look out for him.

Answer 1

The best response by the nurse is to offer to stay with the patient while the wife goes home to shower, ensuring both her well-being and her husband's needs are met.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nurse in this situation is option 3) You need to take care of yourself; go home and shower, and I'll stay at his bedside while you are gone.

This response acknowledges the wife's desire to be with her husband and also addresses her concerns about leaving him. By offering to stay with the patient, the nurse reassures the wife that her husband will be looked after and that she can take the necessary time for self-care.

It is important for the wife to prioritize her own well-being while also considering her husband's needs. By ensuring the wife can shower and take care of herself, she will be better equipped to provide support and companionship to her husband during his final moments.