A nurse is caring for a client who has impaired speech. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is: B. Identity vs. Role Confusion.

Choice A reason:

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt occurs in early childhood (ages 1-3). During this stage, children develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. The focus is on developing autonomy, not on the social dynamics typical of adolescence.

Choice B reason:

Identity vs. Role Confusion is the stage that occurs during adolescence (ages 12-18). In this stage, teenagers explore their independence and develop a sense of self. They may rebel against caregivers and spend more time with peers as they form their identity and navigate social roles. This stage is crucial for developing a personal identity and a sense of direction in life.

Choice C reason:

Integrity vs. Despair occurs in late adulthood (ages 65 and older). This stage involves reflecting on one's life and either coming to terms with it or feeling a sense of despair over missed opportunities. It is not relevant to the experiences of an adolescent.

Choice D reason:

Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage of Erikson's theory, occurring in infancy (birth to 18 months). This stage focuses on developing trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this leads to mistrust. It does not pertain to the adolescent's developmental challenges.

Choice A reason : Allow extra time to communicate with the client.Allowing extra time to communicate is essential when caring for clients with impaired speech. This approach respects the client's pace and supports their efforts to express themselves, which can be a time-consuming process. It also helps to reduce frustration and anxiety that the client may feel if rushed⁵.

Choice B reason : Ask open-ended questions.Asking open-ended questions to a client with impaired speech can be challenging for them to answer and may lead to frustration. Instead, it's recommended to ask yes/no questions or provide choices to facilitate easier communication⁵.

Choice C reason : Finish sentences for the client.Finishing sentences for a client with impaired speech is generally discouraged as it can lead to miscommunication and may make the client feel disempowered. It's important to allow the client to express themselves in their own words and time⁵.

Choice D reason : Avoid using visual aids for communication.Using visual aids can be very helpful for clients with impaired speech. Visual aids such as pictures, gestures, or writing can support understanding and expression, making communication more effective⁵.