The home health nurse is visiting with a client with terminal cancer whose partner has become the primary caregiver. The partner states, "Maybe I will lose weight since I rarely have time to eat." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. “I drink one glass of wine before bed to help me sleep.” This statement indicates a potentially unhealthy coping strategy. Using alcohol as a sleep aid can lead to dependency and does not address the underlying grief. It is not considered an appropriate coping mechanism.

B. “I joined an art group that my partner attended at my church.” This statement indicates a healthy coping strategy. Joining an art group provides social support, a sense of community, and a constructive outlet for emotions. It also honors the memory of the partner in a positive way.

C. “I am leaving my partner’s belongings in the same place.”This statement may indicate difficulty in moving forward and could suggest that the client is struggling to accept the loss. While it is normal to keep some belongings for sentimental reasons, leaving everything unchanged might hinder the grieving process.

D. “I can make it through most of the day before I feel like crying.” While it's normal to experience a range of emotions during grief, excessive suppression of emotions can hinder the healing process. It's important for the client to allow themselves to grieve and express their emotions in healthy ways.

A. “Your children, they cannot take away your driving privileges." This response is dismissive and does not address the safety concerns or explore alternative solutions. It may also ignore legal and practical considerations.

B. "Driving is hard for older people; now you will have more time to try a new hobby." This response does not directly address the individual's concerns and may come across as insensitive. It also does not explore practical alternatives for transportation.

C. "This change can be difficult; let's explore alternative transportation methods." This is the most appropriate response as it acknowledges the difficulty of the situation while offering practical support by exploring alternative transportation options.

D. “Losing your privileges is awful; now you have to wait for someone else to drive you around." This response is negative and does not provide constructive support. It may increase feelings of frustration or helplessness rather than addressing the issue constructively.