Final answer:
The response 'Tell me more about how you're feeling.' invites discussion and shows empathy, which is essential in addressing feelings of uselessness in middle adulthood. It also encourages the exploration of generativity to help find a renewed sense of purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a middle adult client expresses feelings of uselessness due to their children not needing them anymore, the nurse's response should foster an environment of support and understanding. Among the given choices, the most appropriate response is “Tell me more about how you're feeling.” This open-ended statement invites the client to share their feelings more deeply, which can provide the nurse with insight into the client's emotional state and may help the client to feel heard and understood. It aligns with the concept of generativity versus stagnation, where middle adulthood is characterized by a need to contribute to the development of others and find a sense of purpose. Encouraging the client to express themselves can provide an opportunity to explore new avenues for generativity, whether that may be through finding new roles within their family, engaging in volunteer work, or pursuing personal interests and hobbies that can instill a sense of fulfillment and self-worth.