Scenario
Mr. Jones has been in the hospital for 3-4 days and has become increasingly confused. He has metastatic cancer, and the physicians are worried about brain mets.
Nurse:
Good morning Mrs. Jones. You look tired. I see that the doctors just rounded. Can you tell me what they explained to you?
Mrs. Jones:
They told me that my husband’s confusion is concerning and that it might mean the cancer has spread. They said that it might have spread to the brain!
Nurse:
That must be very upsetting. They shared with me the same information. Do you understand why cancer spreading to the brain in your husband’s case is concerning?
Mrs. Jones:
No. I mean that sounds bad, but I am not really sure what that means for us.
Nurse:
They have scheduled an MRI for this afternoon. Maybe I can suggest to them that we set up a family meeting once we have the results.
Mrs. Jones:
That would be great. I know my kids will want to be a part of the conversation. They are really worried as well