A businessman has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and has poor prognosis because the disease is progressing very quickly.To help the patient maintain a sense of hope,what should the nurse do?

A) Help the patient set realistic goals.
B) Assure the patient that he will be well cared for and does not need to do anything.
C) Impress on the family the importance of limiting visiting hours to provide rest.
D) Withhold negative information about the patient's disease processes.

To help patients feel more hopeful,remind them of their strengths and reinforce their expressions of courage,positive thinking,and realistic goal setting.Patients feel more hopeful when they have a sense of control.Family members of dying persons identified the importance of maintaining connections.When people have strong relationships and a sense of emotional connectedness to others,they know that help is available.Offer information to patients about their illness,correct misinformation,and clarify patient's perceptions.