Final answer:
A nurse should encourage a middle adult client feeling useless to explore new opportunities such as volunteering or mentoring, helping them transition from a parenting-centric identity to one that fosters generativity and community contribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client expresses feelings of uselessness as their children reach adulthood, it is important for a nurse to provide support and encourage them to explore new opportunities for personal growth. Middle adulthood is a time for redefining one's identity and finding value beyond parenting roles, such as through volunteering, mentoring, or engaging in activities that foster self-improvement. The client can be reassured that feelings of stagnation are common during this life stage, but redirecting their energy into generative tasks can help them find renewed purpose and contribute positively to their community and their own well-being.
By encouraging the client to seek out new challenges and roles, the nurse can help them foster a sense of generativity, which Erik Erikson identified as the key developmental task of middle adulthood. This involves creating a legacy through nurturing the next generation, which can be achieved even when one's own children are grown. It's essential for the nurse to listen empathetically to the client's concerns while suggesting practical steps for exploring new aspects of life that bring fulfillment and a sense of contribution to society.