A client at 39 weeks gestation is admitted in early labor. During the focused assessment, the practical nurse (PN) reviews the obstetrical history of the client who states that she has been pregnant five times but has only two living children, both of whom were full-term. The other three pregnancies were miscarriages during the first trimester. Which parity should the PN document for the term, premature, abortion, and living children (TPAL) for this client?

This comment by the practical nurse (PN) is likely to be the most helpful to the client. By offering to sit with the client, the PN shows empathy, support, and a willingness to provide companionship. This approach acknowledges the client's feelings of isolation and offers a listening ear. It provides an opportunity for the client to express his emotions, thoughts, or concerns if he wishes to do so. The presence of a caring and compassionate individual can help alleviate some of the client's feelings of loneliness and may encourage him to open up and engage in conversation or activities when he is ready.

A. "Come into the recreation area. We have your favorite card game and I will play it with you."
This choice assumes that engaging in a specific activity will automatically help the client and solve his current feelings of reclusiveness. While offering an activity may be beneficial in some cases, it is important to first address the client's emotional state and provide support before suggesting specific activities. Pushing the client to participate in an activity without acknowledging his current feelings may further alienate him and not address the underlying issues causing his reclusive behavior.
B. "Why do you want to stay in your room today?"
This choice may come across as confrontational or judgmental. Asking why the client wants to stay in his room implies that there is something wrong with his decision or that he needs to justify his behavior. This approach may make the client defensive or withdraw further. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment where the client feels understood and validated, rather than questioning his choices.
C. "I know you are sad about not seeing your family as often, but they are visiting as much as they can."
While acknowledging the client's sadness about not seeing his family is important, dismissing his feelings by stating that his family is visiting as much as they can minimize or invalidate his emotions. It is crucial to provide empathy and validate the client's emotions without making assumptions or downplaying his experiences. This approach may not address the client's current state of reclusiveness or provide the support he needs.

A. "I don't need to go to the hospital if I have another seizure unless it is a very long seizure or if I have several in a row." This statement demonstrates an understanding that certain characteristics of seizures, such as prolonged duration or multiple seizures in succession, may require medical attention and evaluation.
C. "I may never know why I started having seizures." This statement acknowledges the possibility that the underlying cause of the seizures may remain unknown. Seizure etiology can vary, and in some cases, the specific cause cannot be determined despite diagnostic tests.
D. "Having a medic alert bracelet might be a good idea, but it is up to me to decide if I want it or not." This statement recognizes the potential benefits of wearing a medic alert bracelet, which can provide crucial information about the client's condition in case of emergencies. It emphasizes the client's autonomy in making the decision, showing an understanding of the role and significance of the bracelet.
The following statement does not indicate understanding:

"There are really no lifestyle changes that I can do that will affect my risk of having another seizure." This statement is incorrect, as there are lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of seizures, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding triggers (if known), and taking prescribed medications as directed.
Regarding the statement "I can stop taking the phenytoin if I go for a while and don't have a seizure," it is not included in the given options.