A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving palliative care for terminal cancer. The client expresses anger and resentment about their condition and questions the meaning of life. How should the nurse respond?

The nurse should use open-ended questions to explore the client's feelings and beliefs about their condition and the meaning of life. This can help the client to express their emotions, identify their sources of strength and hope, and cope with their situation.

Incorrect options:

A) "You have every right to feel angry. This is not fair." - This is an empathic statement, but it does not encourage further communication or exploration of the client's feelings. It may also reinforce the client's negative emotions and sense of hopelessness.

B) "I understand how you feel. I have lost many loved ones to cancer." - This is an attempt to show empathy, but it is not appropriate to share personal experiences or compare the client's situation to others. This may make the client feel invalidated or minimized.

C) "Maybe you should talk to a spiritual counselor. They can help you find some peace." - This is a suggestion that may be helpful for some clients, but it should not be imposed on the client without assessing their willingness or preference for spiritual support. It may also imply that the nurse is avoiding the client's feelings or imposing their own beliefs.

The nurse should ask about the people that the client can count on for help or comfort, such as family members, friends, neighbors, or community groups. This can help to identify the client's social support system, which is an important factor in coping with a terminal illness.

Incorrect options:

B) "How do you spend your free time when you are not in treatment?" - This is a question that can assess the client's hobbies, interests, or activities, but it does not directly address their social support system.

C) "What are some of the goals that you have for yourself and your family?" - This is a question that can assess the client's hopes, dreams, or plans, but it does not directly address their social support system.

D) "How do you cope with stress or difficult emotions?" - This is a question that can assess the client's coping strategies, but it does not directly address their social support system.