A nurse is assessing a 45-year-old patient who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. The patient states…

Question

A nurse is assessing a 45-year-old patient who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. The patient states, "I don't understand why this is happening to me. I've always taken care of myself." Which assessment finding would be most important for the nurse to identify?

Accepted Answer

보기 4: The patient's current coping mechanisms and support systems

Assessing coping mechanisms and support systems is priority to understand the patient's psychological response and tailor interventions. Other options (disease understanding, finances, pain) are important but secondary to initial psychosocial assessment.

Answer

보기 1: The patient's understanding of the disease process and treatment options

Answer

보기 2: The patient's financial concerns about medical expenses

Answer

보기 3: The patient's physical pain level and comfort needs

Concept	Description	Nursing Implication
Psychosocial Assessment	Evaluation of emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.	Foundation for all other nursing interventions; uses therapeutic communication.
Coping Mechanisms	Conscious or unconscious strategies used to manage stress and adversity.	Identify adaptive (exercise, talking) vs. maladaptive (substance use, denial) coping to guide support.
Support Systems	Network of family, friends, community, and healthcare providers available to the patient.	Strengthening support improves resilience and adherence; involve family in care planning.
Kübler-Ross Stages of Grief	Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance (not always linear).	Helps nurse normalize patient's feelings and provide stage-appropriate interventions.
Nursing Process Prioritization	Using assessment data to determine the order of nursing actions.	ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and psychological safety come before teaching and planning.

Assessment Priority	When It's the Focus	Example Patient Cue
Psychosocial (Coping/Support)	Patient expresses emotional distress, confusion, or spiritual crisis related to diagnosis.	"Why me?" "I can't believe this is happening." "I feel so alone."
Knowledge Deficit (Disease Understanding)	Patient asks specific questions about treatment, prognosis, or side effects.	"How does this chemotherapy work?" "What are my options?"
Physical Comfort (Pain)	Patient reports pain, exhibits guarding behaviors, or has altered vital signs.	"My pain is an 8 out of 10." Grimacing, tachycardia, restlessness.
Financial/Socioeconomic	Patient expresses worry about bills, missing work, or accessing care.	"How will I pay for this?" "I can't afford to take time off."

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A nurse is assessing a 45-year-old patient who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. The patient states, "I don't understand why this is happening to me. I've always taken care of myself." Which assessment finding would be most important for the nurse to identify?

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