Jayme Hadley
Death & Dying Scenario
a. Based on the information related to the grief response in the scenario, the client's daughter is
upset with the decision to use comfort care instead of treating their condition. The client’s son
seems to be understanding that it is the client’s decision to stop treatment. The client does not
have the energy to fight anymore.
b. The current need of the client is to receive comfort care and ensure she is not in pain. The client’s
daughter needs coping skills and learns how to deal with her parent’s decision not to fight
anymore. The son seems to be understanding of the situation but still needs to know coping
skills.
c. How the daughter reacted is expected. She does not want to lose her parent and wants them to
continue to fight which is understandable. The son is not what we would normally expect unless
he has had a conversation about this decision prior where the news was not as shocking to him.
The client’s reaction is also expected because they had to explain their decision. The client was
tired of fighting and it is understandable if they don’t want to fight anymore and can come to
terms with the decision of comfort care.
d. The priority concern for the client and adult children is learning coping skills.
e. The expected outcome if the nurse responds to the daughter by using the NURSE mnemonic,
should be able to get the daughter to talk about her emotions. Using the mnemonic is a good way
to get a client or family member to discuss how they are feeling and to give them someone that is
respectful of how they currently feel.
f. The client and the client’s family will need education about comfort care (palliative care). The
family may need to be given education on counseling opportunities and support groups. The
client could benefit from support group education as well.
g. N: Name: “It sounds like you are upset that your parent is not wanting to continue treatment for
their condition.”
U: Understand: “People that have gone through similar situations often report experiencing
overwhelming anxiety. Is that how you feel?”
R: Respect: “It is completely expected as to how you are feeling currently and you are allowed to
feel those emotions.”
S: Support: “If it would be helpful, I can give you information on support groups or any type of
counseling that can help you process and cope with all your emotions to get you through this
difficult time.”
E: Explore: “Is there anything that you would like to talk to me about in regards to your parent’s
care or how you are feeling about all of it?”
h. I will determine that the expected outcomes are met regarding the grief process of the client and
adult children if they are able to come to an understanding of the decision of the client. The adult
children should be able to visit without arguing with the client about their decision and be there as
support for the client.
