USMLE Forum - Largest USMLE Community

A 76-year-old man is admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, and back pain. He has inoperable metastatic lung cancer and has been informed that the prognosis is poor. The cancer has metastasized to his brain, liver, and multiple bones, including his ribs and vertebrae. A chest X-ray shows a right lower lobe infiltrate, and he is treated with antibiotics and pain relief. He has transferred durable power of attorney to his son for medical decisions. He has a do-not-resuscitate code status. He is aware his prognosis is poor and is able to respond to questions and express his feelings. Which of the following is the most common fear he may experience toward death?

A. Abandonment
B. Fear of the unknown
C. Financial stability of loved ones
D. Mental deterioration
E. Pain

AAA

bb

Yeah - I actually chose E, but was torn between B as well.

But cony is right!

The biggest concerns of dying patients are isolation, abandonment, loss of dignity and control.

tnx