A nurse is visiting with the partner of a client who recently died. The partner expresses guilt that they did not do more for their partner. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A Reason: The belief that a partner will not be violent in the future can be a form of denial or wishful thinking, especially without any evidence of change or intervention. It is not uncommon for individuals in abusive relationships to hope for change, but without concrete actions, such as therapy or other interventions, this hope does not indicate an improvement in the client’s situation.

Choice B Reason: Agreeing to an appointment with a social worker is a positive step towards addressing the situation and seeking help. Social workers can provide support, resources, and guidance, which can be crucial for someone experiencing partner violence. This choice indicates a potential improvement in the client’s psychological status as it shows a willingness to engage with support services.

Choice C Reason: A decrease in reported pain levels can indicate physical improvement. Pain scales are subjective but provide a measure of the client’s comfort and can reflect healing or the effectiveness of pain management strategies.

Choice D Reason: Requesting help to develop a safety plan is a proactive step in ensuring personal safety and preparing for potential future incidents of violence. It shows the client’s awareness of the risks and a desire to protect themselves, which is a positive indicator of psychological improvement.

Choice E Reason: While claiming responsibility for the physical altercation may seem negative, it can also be seen as the client’s attempt to make sense of the situation. It is important to note that responsibility for violence lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. However, recognizing the dynamics of the relationship and the events leading up to the violence can be part of the healing process and taking control of one’s life.

Being well-groomed can be an indicator of improved mental health, as it suggests the client is taking care of their personal hygiene and appearance, which can be neglected during severe anxiety episodes.

An increase in the amount of sleep and a decrease in the frequency of nightmares can be seen as an improvement in the client’s condition, as sleep disturbances are common in anxiety disorders.

Engagement in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring indicates that the client is actively participating in therapeutic activities designed to manage anxiety, which is a positive sign of improvement.

Consistent medication adherence, as reported by the client taking escitalopram 20 mg daily, is crucial for managing anxiety symptoms and indicates the client’s commitment to following the treatment plan.

The client’s weight remaining stable could be neutral, as it does not indicate a significant change. Verbalizing decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort, feeling anxious about leaving the house, and stating that past bullying has led to anxiety are all signs that the client is still experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, these choices do not reflect an improvement in the client’s condition.