Ayaan has metastatic pancreatic cancer and is cared for at home by his wife and adult children. During a recent visit, the nurse notes that his symptoms have dramatically worsened and he is nearing the last days of life. The nurse knows that the family's spiritual beliefs hold that speaking about dying is considered 'giving up', and is not acceptable. However, after the nurse's assessment, Ayaan's wife asks the nurse how he is doing, and happily reports that she thinks he is 'improving'. What would be the most appropriate response from the nurse?

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification exam is a 3 hour exam covering 150 multiple choice questions. It focuses on five domain practice areas: Life-limiting Conditions in Adult Patients, Pain Management, Symptom Management, Patient and Family Care and Practical Issues.