NCLEX Question for awareness contexts

NCLEX Review Question

Which of the following "awareness contexts" is characterized by the patient, the family, and the health care professionals being aware that the patient is dying but all pretend otherwise?

a.Mutual pretense awareness
b.Closed awareness
c.Suspected awareness
d.Open awareness

Correct Answer: A
Mutual pretense awareness
Rationale: In mutual pretense awareness, the patient, the family and the health care professionals are aware that the patient is dying but all pretend otherwise.

Closed awareness
Rationale: In closed awareness, the patient is unaware of his terminality in a context where others are aware.

Suspected awareness
Rationale: In suspected awareness, the patient suspects what others know and attempts to find it out.

Open awareness
Rationale: In open awareness, all are aware that the patient is dying and are able to openly acknowledge that reality.

Posted in: MSN NCLEX