A nurse is caring for clients on the med-surg unit. Which client may have an increased risk for body-image disturbance?

Choice A reason: This is a harmful action that will not strengthen the client's self-concept. A sedentary lifestyle may lead to physical and mental health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, depression, and low self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, nutrition, and rest.

Choice B reason: This is an ineffective action that will not strengthen the client's self-concept. Closed-ended questions and statements are those that can be answered with a yes or no, or a short response. They do not allow the client to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. The nurse should use open-ended questions and statements that invite the client to elaborate and share their perspective.

Choice C reason: This is the best answer. Effective coping skills are those that help the client to manage stress, emotions, and challenges in a positive and adaptive way. They include relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, social support, and positive self-talk. The nurse should encourage the client to use these skills to enhance their self-concept and well-being.

Choice D reason: This is a counterproductive action that will not strengthen the client's self-concept. Avoiding discussing the client's fears or anxieties may make them feel isolated, misunderstood, or ashamed. The nurse should create a safe and supportive environment where the client can openly discuss their concerns and receive empathy and guidance.

Choice A reason: This is not an observation that the nurse will note when considering the self-concept of a client. The surgical history of family members is not directly related to the client's self-concept, but rather to their genetic or environmental factors. The nurse may ask the client about their family history, but it is not a visual cue that reflects the client's self-perception.

Choice B reason: This is an observation that the nurse will note when considering the self-concept of a client. The posture of the client is a nonverbal communication that indicates the client's attitude, mood, and confidence. The nurse can observe if the client has a straight or slouched posture, and if they lean forward or backward. A straight and forward-leaning posture may suggest a positive and assertive self-concept, while a slouched and backward-leaning posture may suggest a negative and passive self-concept.

Choice C reason: This is an observation that the nurse will note when considering the self-concept of a client. The client's demeanor is the way that the client behaves and expresses themselves. The nurse can observe if the client is calm or agitated, cheerful or gloomy, friendly or hostile, and cooperative or resistant. A calm, cheerful, friendly, and cooperative demeanor may indicate a healthy and stable self-concept, while an agitated, gloomy, hostile, and resistant demeanor may indicate a poor and unstable self-concept.

Choice D reason: This is an observation that the nurse will note when considering the self-concept of a client. The grooming of the client is the way that the client takes care of their personal hygiene and appearance. The nurse can observe if the client is clean or dirty, neat or messy, and appropriately or inappropriately dressed. A clean, neat, and appropriate grooming may reflect a high and positive self-concept, while a dirty, messy, and inappropriate grooming may reflect a low and negative self-concept.

Choice E reason: This is an observation that the nurse will note when considering the self-concept of a client. The maintaining of eye contact is a nonverbal communication that shows the client's level of interest, attention, and respect. The nurse can observe if the client maintains, avoids, or shifts eye contact, and if they do so consistently or inconsistently. A consistent and moderate eye contact may indicate a strong and secure self-concept, while an inconsistent or extreme eye contact may indicate a weak and insecure self-concept.