Final answer:
The best response by the nurse is a reflective statement that acknowledges the emotional state of the client, such as option D, which affirms the client's feelings of hopelessness in a supportive manner. Therapeutic communication and understanding the stages of grief are essential components in providing emotional support to clients in such distressing situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best response by the nurse to a client exhibiting anxious behavior and stating they have cancer and do not have long to live would align with providing emotional support and opening up a dialogue for the client to express their feelings. Among the given options, answer D. "It sounds like you feel hopeless." is a reflective statement that acknowledges the client's emotional state without making assumptions or pressing actions on them, allowing the patient to feel heard and potentially delve deeper into their feelings.
It is crucial for health professionals, like nurses, to utilize therapeutic communication, which includes listening, empathy, and support while avoiding dismissive or directive responses that could belittle the client's experience. Understanding Elizabeth Kübler-Ross' five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—can guide the nurse in providing appropriate and supportive care tailored to the client's current stage in the process of accepting their diagnosis.