Question

An older adult client with heart failure states, "I don't know what to do. I don't want to be a burden to my daughter, but I can't do it alone. Maybe I should die." What is the nurse's best response?

a. "Would you like to talk about this more?"
b. "You're lucky to have such a devoted daughter."
c. "You must feel as though you are a burden."
d. "Would you like an antidepressant medication?"

Answer 1

The nurse's best response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and offer support and resources to alleviate their burden.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response in this situation is to provide empathy and offer support. Option c, "You must feel as though you are a burden," validates the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for further conversation. The nurse can then explore the client's concerns, assess their support system, and offer resources to help alleviate their feelings of burden. Option a, "Would you like to talk about this more?" is also a valid response to encourage further dialogue and understanding of the client's emotions. Option b, "You're lucky to have such a devoted daughter," may dismiss the client's concerns and option d, "Would you like an antidepressant medication?" may not address the underlying emotional distress the client is experiencing.