The nurse has developed a pain management plan for a client who has a history of opioid drug abuse.
Which of the following statements by the client demonstrates understanding of the pain management plan?

Reminiscing about the spouse with significant others. This is an important need for a widowed client during the grieving period following the death of the client’s spouse because it helps them process their loss, express their emotions, and honor their memories. Reminiscing can also provide comfort, support, and meaning to the bereaved.

Choice B. Self-indulgence in order to fill the emptiness left by the spouse’s death is wrong because it can be unhealthy, addictive, or harmful to the client’s well-being. Self-indulgence may also prevent the client from coping with their grief in a constructive way.

Choice C. Reassurance that the client did all that could be expected for their spouse is wrong because it may imply that the client is responsible for their spouse’s death or that they could have prevented it.

This may increase the client’s guilt, regret, or self-blame. Reassurance should focus on the client’s strengths, resilience, and coping skills.

Choice D. Engagement in activities that will take the client’s mind off the loss of the spouse is wrong because it may suggest that the client should avoid or deny their grief.

This may interfere with the healing process and lead to unresolved or complicated grief. Engagement in activities should be balanced with time for reflection, mourning, and self-care.

Normal ranges for grief vary depending on the individual, the relationship, and the circumstances of the death. However, some general guidelines are that grief can last from a few months to several years and that it may involve physical and emotional symptoms such as trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, crying, sadness, anger,

Ineffective protection related to chemotherapy side effects. This nursing diagnosis takes priority for a client who is receiving chemotherapy

treatment for cancer because chemotherapy can cause immunosuppression and increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications.

According to the NANDA-I taxonomy, ineffective protection is defined as “decreased ability of an individual to guard the self from internal or external threats such as illness or injury” (NANDA International, 2018).

Choice A is wrong because situational low self-esteem related to job loss due to chemotherapy side effects is not a priority diagnosis for a client who is receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Although chemotherapy can affect the client’s self-image and emotional well-being, it is not a life-threatening condition and can be addressed after ensuring the client’s safety and physiological needs.

Choice C is wrong because anticipatory grieving related to a cancer diagnosis is not a priority diagnosis for a client who is receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Although cancer can cause emotional distress and grief for the client and their family, it is not an immediate threat to the client’s health and can be managed with psychological support and counseling.

Choice D is wrong because fatigue related to cancer treatments is not a priority diagnosis for a client who is receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Although chemotherapy can cause fatigue and weakness, it is not a critical condition and can be alleviated with rest, nutrition, and energy conservation strategies.