Final answer:
The statement "I can't understand why this is happening to me. What did I do to deserve this?" indicates that the client is experiencing spiritual distress related to their terminal liver cancer diagnosis. It reflects a deep questioning of meaning and fairness tied to their suffering.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse is caring for a client who has terminal liver cancer. When determining if a client is experiencing spiritual distress, the nurse must be attuned to their verbal expressions. Among the statements provided, "I can't understand why this is happening to me. What did I do to deserve this?" strongly indicates that the client is grappling with existential and possibly spiritual questions, reflecting an inner turmoil about the fairness or meaning of their suffering. This suggests spiritual distress, which is often characterized by a struggle to find purpose, feelings of punishment, or questions about the transcendent aspect of life amidst a terminal diagnosis.
It's important to recognize that individuals cope with terminal illness in various ways, and not everyone experiences the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) in the same order, intensity, or at all. Some people, especially those with religious or spiritual beliefs, may find comfort and support that helps them cope with the prospect of death. Hospice care aims to provide comfort and dignity in the final stages of life, often allowing clients to pass away in a more peaceful setting, possibly at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in a hospital environment.