When patients ask you about prognosis

[RN416]

So, I have had two different patients' family ask me this week about if they'll survive cancer treatment. Both patients have been on treatment for a while and they were both not tolerating treatment as well as they were when they first started. I wasn't sure what to tell them. I don't want to say "I don't know" or anything like that because that adds uncertainty to their already uncertain situation. I'm curious as to how other oncology nurses handle this type of question. Thanks in advance!

[brownbook]

Do you work on an oncology unit or out patient chemotherapy center? I can't believe your charge nurse or experienced co-workers wouldn't be a good resource. I can't believe this wouldn't come up in orientation?

You could tell the patient they need to talk to their doctor. Which I don't really like but is perfectly appropriate. You could answer their question with a question. What has your doctor told you? How have you been feeling about your treatment? What do you think, how are you feeling now? etc.

[Buckeye.nurse]

I usually reflect the question back on them. I say things like "How was your treatment plan explained to you?" or "What are your goals for care?" If it's their first round of chemo (I work on a hem-onc floor), I'll get them the educational booklets from the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I let them know the booklets are a good starting point, and that the websites have more information. I also encourage them to write down any questions they have while reading so that they are prepared during the next visit with their hematologist.