A nurse is caring for a client whose spouse recently died. The client is newly diagnosed with diabetes. The client is tearful during a diabetic teaching session with the nurse, and states "You can't possibly understand what I'm going through." Which of the following responses is the most therapeutic for the nurse make?

D. Denial is often the initial stage of the grieving process, characterized by disbelief or avoidance of the reality of the situation. Clients may refuse to accept the diagnosis or its implications, clinging to the hope that it is not true. The client's statement of "This cannot be happening to me" is consistent with denial, as they are expressing disbelief or resistance to the reality of their diagnosis.
A. This stage involves feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness. While depression is a common response to a terminal diagnosis, the client's statement of "This cannot be happening to me" suggests that they may still be in an earlier stage of grief.
B. Anger is another common stage of the grieving process, characterized by feelings of frustration, resentment, and hostility. Clients may direct their anger towards themselves, others, or even a higher power. While anger can be a prominent reaction to a terminal diagnosis, the client's statement does not explicitly express anger but rather disbelief or resistance.
C. Bargaining is a stage in which individuals may attempt to negotiate or make deals in an effort to change or postpone the inevitable outcome. For example, a client may pray for more time or promise to change their behavior in exchange for a better outcome. The client's statement of "This cannot be happening to me" does not reflect bargaining but rather denial or disbelief.

A. This intervention promotes emotional expression and allows the client to verbalize their fears, worries, and uncertainties related to the cancer diagnosis. Encouraging the client to express their feelings fosters a sense of emotional support, validation, and empathy, which are essential for coping with the emotional impact of the diagnosis.
C. Cancer diagnosis and treatment often involve multiple appointments, tests, and treatments, which can be overwhelming for the client. Assisting the client with time management and priorities can help alleviate stress and enhance coping by providing structure, organization, and support in managing the demands of the treatment plan and daily life responsibilities.
D. Involving the client in decision-making and allowing them input into the treatment plan empowers the client and promotes a sense of control and autonomy over their care. Collaborative decision-making enhances the client's engagement, adherence, and satisfaction with the treatment plan, which are essential for successful coping and treatment outcomes.
B. Telling the client what coping skills to use may not be the most effective approach, as it disregards the individuality of the client's coping mechanisms and preferences. Instead, the nurse should explore with the client what coping strategies they have used in the past and provide guidance and support in identifying and implementing effective coping strategies that align with the client's needs and preferences.
E. Providing extensive instructions about the treatment plan and prognosis is important for promoting understanding, informed decision-making, and adherence to the treatment plan. However, the timing and amount of information should be tailored to the client's readiness and preferences. Too much information too soon may overwhelm the client and hinder coping, while inadequate information may lead to uncertainty and anxiety. Therefore, the nurse should provide information in a clear, empathetic, and supportive manner, ensuring that the client's informational needs are met while respecting their emotional readiness.