Question

The hospice RN has been working with a dying woman and her spouse for four months. Both have been freely verbalizing concerns and supporting one another. The spouse was stoic and showed no expression of sadness or grief after hearing the “bad news” from the health care provider. How would the RN interpret this response?

Cultural belief to accept hardships without complaint.

The spouse is not comprehending the illness severity.

Confusion concerning the circumstances of the diagnosis.

Ambivalence about the spouse’s relationship with the dying woman.

Answer 1

Answer: Cultural belief to accept hardship without complaint.

( In some of the culture, there is belief that hardship is a part of life. Hence in most of the cases, the spiritual and cultural belief provide strength to the person to accept the hardship without complaint.)