A nurse is admitting a client who is about to undergo surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The client states, "I don't know what I will do if they find that I have cancer." Which of the following should be the appropriate response by the nurse?

The correct answer is choice B: "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."

Choice A rationale:

This response focuses on negative outcomes and might discourage the client from exploring her options. It does not support the client's autonomy or address her concerns about nontraditional treatments. The nurse's role should be to facilitate open communication and understanding.

Choice B rationale:

This response is the most therapeutic. By inviting the client to share her concerns, the nurse demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express her thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters a collaborative and respectful relationship, allowing the nurse to address the client's worries effectively.

Choice C rationale:

This response is directive and dismissive of the client's wishes. It fails to consider the client's perspective and autonomy. The nurse should avoid imposing personal opinions and instead promote a patient-centered approach.

Choice D rationale:

While acknowledging the provider's expertise is important, this response does not address the client's concerns about nontraditional treatments. It's essential to focus on the client's individual preferences and provide information to help her make an informed decision.

Answer is d. Situational.

a. Maturational crisis: This type of crisis occurs in response to life transitions or developmental stages, such as marriage, parenthood, retirement, or aging. It involves challenges related to adjusting to new roles, responsibilities, or expectations. However, the client's denial of a new HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment do not align with the characteristics of a maturational crisis, as it pertains to planned life events rather than unexpected health crises.

b. Adventitious crisis: Adventitious crises are caused by events that are unplanned, unexpected, and often traumatic, such as natural disasters, accidents, or crimes. These crises can affect individuals, families, or communities and may result in significant psychological distress and disruption. However, the client's denial of an HIV diagnosis does not fit the criteria for an adventitious crisis, as it is a personal health issue rather than an external event affecting a broader population.

c. Internal crisis: While internal struggles and conflicts can contribute to a person's overall crisis experience, "internal crisis" is not a recognized category within the context of nursing crises. Internal factors such as psychological distress, unresolved trauma, or maladaptive coping mechanisms may exacerbate crisis situations, but they are typically addressed within the framework of other crisis categories such as situational, maturational, or existential crises.

d. Situational crisis: Correct. A situational crisis arises from an external event or situation that the individual finds overwhelming, threatening, or challenging to cope with. In this scenario, the client's denial of their HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment represent a situational crisis as it stems from the unexpected news of their health condition. The client's perception of the diagnosis as threatening or inconceivable leads to emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms, which can hinder their ability to accept and manage their medical condition effectively.

In summary, the correct answer is d because the client's denial of their HIV diagnosis and refusal of treatment align with the characteristics of a situational crisis, which arises from an external event that the individual perceives as overwhelming or threatening. Understanding the nature of the crisis can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support, education, and intervention to help the client navigate through this challenging time and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.