Question

A nurse is caring for a client whose child has a terminal illness. The client requests information about how to deal with the upcoming loss. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A) "Avoid discussing the situation with your child to protect them."
B) "Keep busy with work to distract yourself from the impending loss."
C) "Encourage your child to avoid expressing their emotions."
D) "Create opportunities for open communication and emotional expression."

Answer 1

The nurse should encourage open communication and emotional expression to help the client and their child deal with the upcoming loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should make the statement: "Create opportunities for open communication and emotional expression." When dealing with the upcoming loss of a loved one, it is important to encourage open communication and emotional expression. This allows both the client and the child to process their emotions and find support. Avoiding discussing the situation with the child, keeping busy with work, or encouraging the child to avoid expressing their emotions can be detrimental to their emotional well-being.