A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for open heart surgery. The client states, "I am confident I will be able to go home a few hours after the surgery." The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following stages of grief?
Anger
Depression
Denial
Acceptance
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer and explanation is:
c. Denial
The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing the stage of denial in the grief process. Denial is a common psychological defense mechanism that individuals may exhibit when faced with a stressful or overwhelming situation, such as the prospect of open heart surgery. It involves a refusal to accept or acknowledge the reality of the situation. In this case, the client's statement of being confident to go home shortly after surgery demonstrates a denial of the potential challenges and recovery process associated with such a procedure.
Explanation for the other options:
A . Anger: Anger is a stage of grief characterized by feelings of resentment, frustration, and hostility. It is common for individuals to experience anger as part of the grief process, but the client's statement does not indicate anger.
B. Depression: Depression is another stage of grief marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss. While it is normal for individuals to experience some level of anxiety or sadness before undergoing surgery, the client's statement does not specifically reflect depression.
d. Acceptance: Acceptance is the final stage of grief, where individuals come to terms with their situation and find a sense of peace or resolution. The client's statement indicates a lack of acceptance as they are denying the potential impact of the surgery and its recovery process.

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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
d. Apply the dressing loosely over the incision.
Explanation:
The correct answer is d. Apply the dressing loosely over the incision.
When caring for an older adult client, it is important for the nurse to be sensitive to age-related changes and promote their comfort and well-being. Applying the dressing loosely over the incision allows for beter circulation and ventilation, which can help prevent complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
Option a is not the correct answer. Asking the client to help with the dressing change may not be appropriate, as postoperative clients, especially older adults, may have limited mobility or dexterity. It is the nurse's responsibility to provide the necessary care and support during the dressing change.
Option b is not the correct answer. Waiting for the client to approach the nurse for assistance may lead to delays in care and could potentially compromise the client's healing process. The nurse should proactively assess the client's needs and provide appropriate care.
Option c is not the correct answer. Using paper tape for securing the new dressing does not specifically address sensitivity to age-related changes. While paper tape may be gentle on the skin, it is not the primary consideration in this situation.
By applying the dressing loosely over the incision, the nurse demonstrates sensitivity to age-related changes and promotes the client's comfort and optimal healing. This approach takes into account the potential for decreased skin elasticity and fragility in older adults, allowing for proper circulation and reducing the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
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