Massachusetts Medical Society: Question 1

Question 1

 

Question:

 

Which of the following strategies should a clinician use when discussing prognosis with the family of a terminally ill patient?

 

 

 

Answers

Answer:

Avoid harsh phrases like "Your mother is dying." Instead say, "Your mother's condition is deteriorating. Her prognosis is poor."
 

 

Correct Answer? 

 

Explanation:

 

Answers

Answer:

Maintain detached concern. Avoid conveying your emotion to the family. 
 

 

Correct Answer? 

 

Explanation:

 

Answers

Answer:

Reassure the family that you will not abandon the patient or them.  
 

 

Correct Answer? 

 

Explanation:

 

Answers

Answer:

Limit family meetings to as few people as possible. In most cases, the ideal family meeting includes only the physician and the patient's health care proxy.
 

 

Correct Answer? 

 

Explanation:

 

 

Format:

Radio buttons (single select)

 

Share on Facebook
Facebook logoLinkedInYouTube logoInstagramThreads

Copyright © 2025. Massachusetts Medical Society, 860 Winter Street, Waltham Woods Corporate Center, Waltham, MA 02451-1411

(781) 893-4610 | General Support: (617) 841-2925 or support@mms.org