A nurse is caring for a client whose child died 4 months ago. The client states, "Since my child died, I just feel dead inside." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"Why are you feeling this way?"
"Have you told your therapist about this?"
"You say you feel dead inside. Tell me more about this."
"Everything will be better with time."
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Asking “why” can be confrontational or judgmental, even if unintentionally. It can make the client feel as though they need to justify or defend their emotions, which may increase emotional distress or cause them to withdraw. This approach does not facilitate exploration of feelings or provide emotional validation, which are essential in grief counseling.
B. Although professional mental health support is important, this response shifts responsibility away from the nurse and redirects the conversation instead of addressing the client’s immediate emotional needs. It does not demonstrate active listening or create a safe environment for the client to express grief. Immediate acknowledgment and validation of feelings are critical in providing supportive end-of-life and bereavement care.
C. This response exemplifies active listening, reflection, and empathetic communication. By mirroring the client’s words, the nurse validates the client’s emotions, helping the client feel heard and understood. Encouraging the client to elaborate allows for a deeper exploration of grief, identifies specific emotional needs, and strengthens the therapeutic relationship. This approach is consistent with grief-informed and client-centered care, which prioritizes acknowledgment and processing of emotions rather than minimizing or redirecting them.
D. This is an example of false reassurance, which can minimize the client’s feelings and invalidate their grief experience. Grieving is a highly individualized process, and suggesting that time alone will resolve feelings may prevent the client from openly expressing their emotions or seeking appropriate support. Effective nursing care involves acknowledging and normalizing the intensity of grief, not providing generic or premature reassurance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While a living will is a type of advance directive, a power of attorney for finances is not related to healthcare decisions. The correct healthcare-related documents are a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare (sometimes called a healthcare proxy). This statement reflects misunderstanding of the purpose and types of advance directives.
B. Advance directives should be readily accessible to healthcare providers so that care aligns with the patient’s wishes in a timely manner. Keeping them only at a lawyer’s office could delay critical decision-making in an emergency.
C. This statement accurately reflects the primary purpose of advance directives: to communicate a client’s healthcare preferences in situations where they may be unable to make decisions. This empowers clients to maintain autonomy over their care and guides healthcare providers in delivering care consistent with the client’s values.
D. Advance directives are legally binding, and healthcare providers must follow the client’s documented wishes, even if family members disagree, unless the client designates a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of patient autonomy and legal rights.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The goal of palliative care is to prolong the life of a client is incorrect because the primary goal of palliative care is to improve quality of life and alleviate suffering, not necessarily to extend life. While it can be provided alongside curative treatments, life prolongation is not the central objective.
B. Palliative care should be avoided for a client who is receiving a curative treatment is incorrect because palliative care can be provided concurrently with curative or life-prolonging treatments. It focuses on symptom management, psychosocial support, and quality of life regardless of the stage of illness.
C. Palliative care is not restricted to clients who are terminally ill is correct because palliative care is appropriate for anyone experiencing serious illness, regardless of prognosis. This includes patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure, COPD, or cancer, where symptom relief and psychosocial support are needed even if the patient is not at the end of life.
D. Palliative care is limited to clients who are in a health care facility is incorrect because palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, hospice programs, and patients’ homes. The focus is on patient-centered care, not the location of service.
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