skip to main content

Telling Children About Dying Relative — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardEnd of Life CareTelling Children About Dying RelativeSCE Palliative Medicine

Grandchildren aged 6 and 10 ask why a dying relative no longer wakes. Which communication strategy is best?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Use concrete age-adjusted language, check understanding and invite questions

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · C = shown as B · E = shown as C · A = shown as D · D = shown as E

C is correct. Honest concrete language, paced to developmental level and followed by checks and questions, reduces confusion and supports trust. A does not adapt information to development, B can create fear of sleep, D inappropriately delegates communication to a child, and E gives false reassurance.

Reference: NHS: children and bereavement: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/children-and-bereavement/