Reference no: EM133334582

Mrs. Berk is 65 and has terminal cancer. The nurse tells you the doctor has told Mrs. Berk and her family that further treatment will not stop the cancer. You have cared for Mrs. Berk during several hospital stays and are assigned to give her care today. When you go to her room, she tells you that she will be happy if she can live just long enough to see her grandson graduate from high school in the spring. Later when you go to her room, she is crying and says she does not understand why this is happening to her.

1. What personal beliefs about death would help you to care for a person who is terminally ill? What beliefs would make it more difficult?

2. What would you say to Mrs. Berk when she talks about her prognosis? How would this conversation make you feel?

3. What effect would her present condition have on the time you spend in Mrs. Berk's room? Do you think you would want to spend more or less time with her? Why?

4. What stage or stages of grief does Mrs. Berk seem to be experiencing? What evidence do you have for your answer?

5. What communication techniques would you use to help Mrs. Berk? How comfortable are you in using these techniques? Why do you feel as you do?