Question

A male client who is on the liver transplant list is called to the unit for a possible transplant. When learning that the donor organ is no longer available, the client slams doors and shouts vulgarities about his situation. What action should the nurse implement first?

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize the safety and well-being of the client and healthcare team. They should respond calmly and non-judgmentally to the client's aggressive behavior. Involving other members of the healthcare team for support and counseling may be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should first prioritize ensuring the safety and well-being of both the client and the healthcare team. The client's aggressive behavior indicates distress, which may be caused by fear, frustration, or anxiety. The nurse should respond calmly and non-judgmentally, allowing the client to express their feelings.

The nurse can use therapeutic communication to validate the client's emotions by saying, 'I understand that you're feeling very frustrated right now. It's disappointing when things don't go as expected.' By acknowledging the client's emotions, the nurse can help to deescalate the situation and open up a dialogue to explore other coping strategies.

In addition, it may be necessary for the nurse to involve other members of the healthcare team, such as a social worker or psychologist, to provide additional support and counseling for the client.