Online Companion: Fundamentals of Nursing Standards and Practice 2E

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the nurse know what to say to a client who is dying?

This is a common concern for nurses who are beginning to work with clients who are facing a terminal illness. The nurse may limit time spent with the client because of the nurse's discomfort with communication needs of this client. The major need for this client is for human presence; just being with the client is of great help. The ability to listen is major skill for the nurse in this situation. The nurse who is aware of her feelings and takes deliberate action to focus on the needs of the client will be able to provide the comfort the client seeks at this time.

How does the nurse respond to a client who asks "Am I going to die?"

The client who asks this type of question is fearful. The client may or may not have a terminal or life-threatening illness. The nurse uses communication skills to get the client to discuss feelings. In this discussion, the client is able to examine concerns and increase a sense of control over the situation. The client may feel relief after sharing feelings of fear "out loud" to another person.

Does talking about grief and death of a loved one make the client more upset?

The grieving client needs to share feelings about the loss of a loved one. This client may cry or demonstrate other strong emotions at this time. This is a normal part of grief. The nurse who is aware of this normal process works at accepting the expressed feelings and does not try to shut the client off. The nurse needs a source of support from colleagues for sharing feelings about this aspect of care.