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Different Coping Styles in Couples — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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HardCommunication & EthicsDifferent Coping Styles in CouplesSCE Palliative Medicine

A patient wants open discussion of dying while her partner repeatedly leaves such conversations. Neither has psychiatric symptoms. What is the best team response?

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

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Correct answer: D — Validate both styles, offer separate support and invite agreed joint discussion

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

D is correct. Different coping styles can coexist; clinicians can preserve the patient’s preference for openness while offering the partner paced, separate support and consensual joint discussion. A and E pathologise without evidence, B removes support and risks isolation, and C coerces communication rather than tailoring it.

Reference: NICE NG142: communication and support at end of life: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng142/chapter/Recommendations