A nurse is conducting a psychosocial assessment of a client who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Which question should the nurse ask to assess the client's social support system?

The nurse should ask about the people that the client can count on for help or comfort, such as family members, friends, neighbors, or community groups. This can help to identify the client's social support system, which is an important factor in coping with a terminal illness.

Incorrect options:

B) "How do you spend your free time when you are not in treatment?" - This is a question that can assess the client's hobbies, interests, or activities, but it does not directly address their social support system.

C) "What are some of the goals that you have for yourself and your family?" - This is a question that can assess the client's hopes, dreams, or plans, but it does not directly address their social support system.

D) "How do you cope with stress or difficult emotions?" - This is a question that can assess the client's coping strategies, but it does not directly address their social support system.

The nurse should assess the client's spiritual beliefs and values and provide support that is consistent with them. This can help the client to cope with their fears, find comfort and hope, and achieve a sense of closure.

Incorrect options:

A) Provide reassurance that death is a natural part of life and that they will not suffer. - This is a general statement that may not address the client's specific concerns or questions about death and the afterlife. It may also contradict the client's beliefs or expectations.

C) Administer prescribed sedatives or analgesics to relieve the client's anxiety or pain. - This is an intervention that may be necessary to manage the client's physical symptoms, but it does not address the underlying psychological or spiritual issues that are causing the fear of dying.

D) Refer the client to a mental health professional for counseling and therapy. - This is an intervention that may be beneficial for some clients, but it should not be done without assessing the client's readiness or preference for this type of support. It may also imply that the nurse is unable to handle the client's emotions or that the fear of dying is abnormal.