Question

A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a new diagnosis of terminal cancer. What should be the nurse's priority action?

1) Provide emotional support to the client and family
2) Administer pain medication to the client
3) Educate the client and family about the treatment options
4) Refer the client to a palliative care specialist

Answer 1

The nurse's priority action should be to provide emotional support to the client and family.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority action when caring for an adolescent client with a new diagnosis of terminal cancer should be to provide emotional support to the client and family. This is because receiving a diagnosis of terminal cancer is emotionally overwhelming, and the nurse's support can help the client and family through this difficult time. Administering pain medication, educating about treatment options, and referring to a palliative care specialist are all important actions, but emotional support should be the nurse's priority.