The patient is experiencing loss of multiple abilities such as short- and long-term memory, language, and the ability to understand. What condition does the patient have?

Choice A rationale
When a client expresses feelings of hopelessness and exhibits behaviors such as giving away possessions, it is crucial for the nurse to further explore these feelings. Asking the client to elaborate on their feelings allows the nurse to gather more information and assess the severity of the client’s emotional state. It also communicates to the client that the nurse is there to listen and provide support.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to assess for suicidal ideation in clients expressing hopelessness, asking directly, “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?” can come across as confrontational and may cause the client to become defensive or close off.
Choice C rationale
Suggesting therapy is a potential intervention, but it is not the best initial response. The immediate priority is to assess the client’s emotional state and risk for self-harm.
Choice D rationale
Discussing coping strategies may be beneficial once the client’s immediate emotional state and safety have been addressed. However, it is not the best initial response when a client is expressing intense feelings of hopelessness.

Choice A rationale
While teaching the client techniques for coping with the mother’s anger might be helpful, it does not address the root cause of the problem. The mother’s anger and inappropriate responses could be due to frustration from not being able to hear properly.
Choice B rationale
The mother’s behavior of not responding when her back is turned and becoming increasingly angry could be signs of hearing loss. A hearing evaluation would help determine if this is the case and appropriate interventions can be put in place.
Choice C rationale
Telling the client that it appears the mother has a hearing loss is not the best intervention because it is based on assumption without any professional evaluation. It is important to have a professional evaluation before making such conclusions.
Choice D rationale
Informing the client to ignore the behavior and treat the mother with love does not address the potential issue of hearing loss. Ignoring the problem does not solve it and could lead to further frustration and misunderstanding.