A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who states, "I don't feel confident driving to my follow-up appointments." The nurse should obtain a referral for which of the following members of the health care team?

A. The client has a decreased energy level.A decreased energy level can be a common symptom of many conditions, including terminal illnesses. While it can be associated with feelings of hopelessness, it is not necessarily an indication of it. Other factors like the illness itself, treatments, or emotional stress can contribute to low energy.

B. The client requests a second opinion.Requesting a second opinion is generally a sign that the client is still actively engaged in their care and is seeking more information or alternative options. It indicates hope or a desire for different possibilities rather than hopelessness.

C. The client wants to talk about the diagnosis with the nursing staff.Wanting to talk about the diagnosis with the nursing staff suggests that the client is processing the information and seeking support. Open communication is a positive coping mechanism and not typically an indication of hopelessness.

D. The client makes funeral arrangements.When a client makes funeral arrangements, it can be a sign that they are feeling hopeless about their situation and are preparing for the end of their life. While it is practical and sometimes necessary to make such arrangements, in this context, it can be seen as a manifestation of hopelessness.

Choice A reason:

Determine previous coping skills used by the client is not appropriate. Assessing the client's previous coping skills is an essential step in the assessment phase of the therapeutic relationship, not specifically during the orientation phase. This information helps the nurse to understand the client's coping mechanisms and identify potential areas for improvement or support.

Choice B reason:

Facilitate the client's problem-solving skills is not appropriate the nurse may work on facilitating the client's problem-solving skills throughout the therapeutic relationship, including during the working phase. During this phase, the nurse and client collaborate to explore and address the client's concerns and challenges.

Choice C reason:

Assisting the client in expressing alternative behaviours is not appropriate. This action may also be part of the working phase, where the nurse helps the client explore alternative behaviours and coping strategies to address their issues and challenges.

Choice D reason:

The orientation phase is the initial stage of the therapeutic relationship where the nurse and the client get to know each other and establish the groundwork for their working relationship. During this phase, it is essential to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both the nurse and the client to ensure a clear understanding of each other's expectations.