Question

A nurse is speaking with an adult child of a client who has severe Alzheimer's disease. The child is crying and tells the nurse, "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a) "I understand this must be really tough for you. Have you considered seeking professional counseling to help cope with the situation?"
b) "It's challenging, but you have to stay strong for your parent. Maybe try joining a support group to share experiences with others in similar situations."
c) "I'm sure your parent appreciates all that you're doing. It's essential to take breaks for self-care. Have you thought about enlisting additional help from other family members or caregivers?"
d) "It's difficult, but you should continue caring for your parent as long as possible. Your dedication is admirable."

Answer 1

The nurse should recommend professional counseling to the adult child, recognizing the emotional burden of caring for a parent with severe Alzheimer's disease and providing a constructive support option.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response the nurse should make is: "I understand this must be really tough for you. Have you considered seeking professional counseling to help cope with the situation?" This option shows empathy and suggests a constructive way to help the adult child manage the emotional burden of caregiving. It's important for caregivers to have access to resources that support both their emotional well-being and practical needs. Offering counseling can be instrumental in providing psychological support, and it's pivotal for healthcare professionals to recognize and address the psychosocial challenges caregivers face. Caring for a loved one with severe Alzheimer's disease can be incredibly taxing, and seeking professional support through counseling or support groups can provide the caregiver with necessary coping strategies and emotional relief.