A nurse is caring for a client who has just received a terminal cancer diagnosis from their provider. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Offer the client advice about various treatment choices.
Discourage the client from forming new relationships.
Allow the client unlimited time for the grieving process.
Change the subject when the client becomes upset.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Offering the client advice about various treatment choices is not the most appropriate action for a nurse to take immediately after a terminal diagnosis. While it is important to discuss treatment options, the timing of this discussion should be sensitive to the client's emotional state. The nurse should provide support and allow the client to lead the conversation about treatment when they are ready.
Choice B reason:
Discouraging the client from forming new relationships is not a supportive action. It is important for individuals facing a terminal illness to feel connected and supported. Encouraging the client to maintain and form new relationships can provide emotional support and improve their quality of life.
Choice C reason:
Allowing the client unlimited time for the grieving process is essential. Grief is a personal experience and can vary greatly in duration and expression. The nurse should support the client through their grief, providing a safe space for them to express their emotions and move through the grieving process at their own pace.
Choice D reason:
Changing the subject when the client becomes upset is not a therapeutic communication technique. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide a supportive presence. The nurse should listen actively and empathetically, allowing the client to share their concerns and emotions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asking "Why do you think this has happened?" may not be the most supportive approach. This question can lead to feelings of guilt or frustration, as the client might not have an answer and could feel blamed for their condition. It is more beneficial to focus on the client's current feelings and coping mechanisms.
Choice B reason:
Asking "Are you okay with not being able to do some things you used to do?" can be perceived as insensitive. It highlights the client's limitations rather than focusing on their strengths and coping strategies. This question might make the client feel more helpless and discouraged.
Choice C reason:
Asking "Is anyone available to assist you with your hygiene?" is important for assessing the client's support system and daily needs, but it does not directly address their emotional coping. While practical support is crucial, understanding the client's emotional and psychological state is equally important.
Choice D reason:
Asking "How has this impacted your life?" is an open-ended question that allows the client to express their feelings and experiences. It helps the nurse understand the client's perspective and coping mechanisms. This question encourages the client to share their emotional journey and can provide valuable insights into their mental and emotional well-being.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Reinforcing teaching about coping mechanisms is a task that requires clinical judgment and the application of nursing knowledge, which are responsibilities that cannot be delegated to assistive personnel. Nurses are responsible for the initial teaching and ongoing reinforcement of coping mechanisms, as they have the training to assess the client's understanding and provide appropriate education.
Choice B reason:
Sitting with a client during mealtimes does not require clinical judgment or specialized nursing knowledge and can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves providing support and encouragement to the client, as well as monitoring the client's intake, which are within the scope of duties that assistive personnel can perform.
Choice C reason:
Discussing relapse prevention with the family of a client who has schizophrenia involves therapeutic communication and education that must be based on nursing assessment and planning. This task requires the nurse's expertise in mental health and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.
Choice D reason:
Administering a rectal suppository is a medication administration task that involves nursing judgment related to assessing the client's condition and understanding the medication's effects. This task cannot be delegated to assistive personnel, as they are not licensed to administer medications.
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