A nurse is caring for a client who has an anxiety disorder and is scheduled for a procedure.
The client informs the nurse that they do not want to have the procedure.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

The statement "I don't feel anything but numbness anymore" is indicative of anhedonia, which is a core symptom of clinical depression. Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities. Reporting this statement to the provider is important as it suggests a significant emotional disturbance.

Choice B rationale:

While the statement "It'll be a long time before I'm happy again" does indicate a sense of hopelessness or prolonged sadness, it is not as specific to clinical depression as the presence of anhedonia. Clinical depression involves a range of symptoms, and the absence of pleasure or emotions (anhedonia) is a more concerning sign.

Choice C rationale:

Feeling angry at the world is a common emotional response to grief and loss and is not a direct indication of clinical depression. It is important to consider the context of grief when assessing client statements.

Choice D rationale:

Expressing reliance on family support is a healthy coping mechanism in response to grief and loss. It does not necessarily indicate clinical depression but rather a natural response to seeking support during a difficult time.

Choice A rationale:

Obtaining consent from the client's family member is not the appropriate action in this scenario. The client has the right to make decisions about their own medical treatment, and the consent should come from the client themselves, not a family member.

Choice B rationale:

Informing the client that they have the legal right to refuse treatment at any time is the correct action. Informed consent is a fundamental principle of medical ethics, and the nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare.

Choice C rationale:

Requesting another nurse to review the procedure with the client may be helpful in providing additional information and support, but it does not address the client's right to refuse treatment. The primary responsibility is to ensure that the client is aware of their right to refuse.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to have the procedure goes against the principle of respecting the client's autonomy and right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. The nurse should not pressure the client into having the procedure.