The 17-year-old male patient is brought to the clinic for a yearly check-up. The nurse observes the patient to be unkempt, with greasy hair and significant body odor. The patient has a flat affect during questioning. When the nurse provides education on safety practices such as wearing a seatbelt when in the car, not driving with impaired persons, and using protection during sexual intercourse, the patient retorts, “I don’t really see the point in wearing a seatbelt, if it helps me die more quickly.” Which initial response by the nurse is most appropriate?

The terminally-ill patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is in a hospice. He says to the nurse, “I know I will die soon. I would feel at peace knowing my organs and tissues will be able to help other people after I’m gone. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

The mother of the 16-year-old patient with schizophrenia asks the nurse, “I can hardly get him out of bed each day, he won’t ever shower, and it just doesn’t seem like he understands when I try to teach him new things. He takes his medicine like he’s supposed to. Why does he keep getting worse?” Which response by the nurse is appropriate?