Which of the following is not an appropriate strategy for communicating with a dying person?

• A. Listening attentively to the person's concerns
• B. Allowing the person to express their feelings openly
• C. Offering comfort through touch if welcomed
• D. Avoiding the person entirely to prevent discomfort

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of communication with a dying person, which involves providing emotional support, empathy, and respect for their feelings and needs.
2. Step 2: Recognize that appropriate strategies include listening attentively, allowing open expression of feelings, and offering comfort through touch if it is welcomed, as these help the person feel heard and supported.
3. Step 3: Identify that avoiding the person entirely to prevent discomfort is not an appropriate strategy because it can lead to feelings of isolation and abandonment for the dying person.
4. Step 4: Reflect on the importance of presence and compassionate communication in end-of-life care, which helps maintain dignity and emotional well-being.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the strategy of avoiding the person is inappropriate because it contradicts the principles of empathetic and supportive communication essential in palliative care.