The son of a dying patient says, "Mother doesn't really respond any more when I visit. I don't think she knows that I am here." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Cut back your visits for now to avoid overtiring your mother.
• B. Most dying patients don't know what is going on around them.
• C. It is important to stimulate your mother so she can't retreat from you.
• D. Withdrawal can be a normal response in the process of dying.

Answer: (D)