A physician says to the nurse, after a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer, 'All my life I took care of my clients, and now my family is taking care of me.' Which statement would be therapeutic?

• A. Your family is caring for you now.
• B. It's good to rely on your family, but maintain independence.
• C. This must be a difficult role reversal; consider counseling.
• D. You should focus on your own comfort rather than family.

Answer: (A)

In therapeutic communication with someone facing terminal illness, acknowledging the changing caregiving dynamics and validating the patient’s feelings helps reduce fear and isolation. Saying “Your family is caring for you now” explicitly names the new support system and normalizes the shift from being the caregiver to being cared for. It reassures the patient that receiving care from loved ones is appropriate and comforting, which can ease concerns about dependency and invite open discussion about emotional needs and what support from family feels like. Other responses may push toward independence, suggest counseling without addressing the immediate experience, or dismiss family involvement, making them less fitting for providing comfort in this moment.