Question

A patient recently diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (aids) states, "i am perfectly fine, and i don't want to discuss my treatment and condition." after considering the patient's current stage of grief, which action by the nurse would be appropriate?

Answer 1

The nurse may want to sit with the patient and perhaps a therapist or a spouse to discuss the severity of the situation and/or treatment plans that could be appropriate. Should the patient further refuse, the nurse should let them decide for themselves what to do next.

Answer 2

What is happening in this situation is that the patient is in denial from the sickness. During this kind of situation the nurse has to be very careful when trying to convince the patient to accept the condition. In this situation, intervention may be necessary wherein the patient is encouraged to talk and open up. A therapist or psychologist may come in and help with this.