How should a nurse respond when family members ask if a patient will die in the next few days?

• A. Deflect to social worker.
• B. Refuse to discuss prognosis.
• C. Acknowledge uncertainty and discuss goals of care.
• D. Provide a specific prognosis in days.

Answer: (C)

In end-of-life care conversations, the focus is on honest, compassionate communication that centers on the patient’s goals and the family's needs. Prognosis in the final days is often uncertain, so the nurse should acknowledge that uncertainty, be clear about what is known, and shift the discussion to what matters most for the patient—comfort, desired level of intervention, and quality of life.

By asking about the patient’s goals and values and discussing what would be most important in the remaining time, the nurse helps the family understand how care can be aligned with the patient’s wishes. This approach supports informed decision-making, reduces anxiety from unmet expectations, and sets up ongoing conversations with the care team as the situation evolves.

Deflecting the discussion to another professional or giving a specific timeline in days can hinder trust and may be inaccurate. The emphasis should be on clarity about goals, what to expect regarding symptoms and comfort, and a plan that respects the patient’s preferences.