A nurse is caring for a client who lost all his possessions in a house fire and states, "I have no idea what I am going to do. I cannot think right now." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Establishing trust with a caregiver in just five days is a challenging and unrealistic expectation for a child diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Building trust takes time, especially for individuals with ASD who may struggle with social interactions and forming connections.

Choice B rationale:

Participating in a team sport with peers by day 4 might be too ambitious for a child with ASD. Children with ASD often require gradual exposure and support to engage in social activities, and such rapid participation might lead to anxiety and discomfort.

Choice C rationale:

While communication goals are important for children with ASD, expecting them to communicate all needs verbally by discharge might not be realistic. Many children with ASD use alternative forms of communication, such as gestures or assistive devices, which should also be considered as valid modes of expression.

Choice D rationale:

The realistic outcome for a child diagnosed with ASD is that they will perform most self-care tasks independently. ASD often affects social and communication skills, but children can learn and develop the ability to manage self-care tasks with proper support and intervention. This outcome aligns with the developmental trajectory of children with ASD.

Answer is d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings.

a. Identify other housing options and sources of transportation: While it is essential to address practical needs such as housing and transportation for clients who have experienced a crisis like a house fire, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in acute emotional distress. In this scenario, the client is expressing emotional distress and may not be ready to focus on practical solutions. Therefore, addressing the client's emotional needs should take precedence over addressing practical concerns.

b. Notify the facility chaplain to request scheduling an appointment: While spiritual support can be beneficial for individuals coping with trauma or loss, it should not be the immediate response when a client is in acute emotional distress. While the chaplain's support may be sought later as part of the client's holistic care, it should not precede addressing the client's immediate emotional needs.

c. Confirm that everything will be all right because belongings can be replaced: This option is incorrect because it offers false reassurance and dismisses the client's feelings about their loss. While it is true that belongings can be replaced, the emotional impact of losing possessions, especially in a traumatic event like a house fire, should not be trivialized. The client's feelings of distress and uncertainty are valid and should be acknowledged and addressed by the nurse.

d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings: Correct. This action demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is crucial in providing an atmosphere of support and safety for the client. Maintaining eye contact shows empathy, support, and advocacy, indicating to the client that their feelings are being heard and validated. Summarizing the client's feelings allows the nurse to demonstrate active listening and understanding, fostering trust and rapport between the nurse and client. By prioritizing the client's emotional needs, the nurse can help the client begin to process their feelings and move towards coping and problem-solving.

In summary, the correct answer is d because maintaining eye contact with the client and summarizing their feelings demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is essential in providing support and validation for the client's emotional distress. This approach allows the nurse to establish rapport and trust with the client, facilitating further therapeutic interventions and support.