QOD 0018: Pediatric patient, cancer (Psychosocial integrity)

A nurse is working on a pediatric oncology floor and has developed a relationship with an elementary-aged child with terminal cancer. The child’s parents ask the nurse how to talk to the child about the situation. Which of the following ideas should the nurse convey to the parents regarding this child’s concept of death?

• Explain to them that the child will want to tie up loose ends before passing
• Teach the parents that a child of this age has a predictable pattern of accepting a terminal diagnosis
• Remind them that their child may lack the ability to comprehend mortality
• Discuss the fact that school-age children often feel invincible despite an explanation of their terminal illness