A client's wife has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. She is sitting in the corner of the client's room crying, and says to the nurse, "I feel as if I'm already so alone." Which action should the nurse take first?
Explain that alternative treatment options may be helpful.
Encourage the wife to share her feelings.
Offer reassurance that she is not alone.
Remind her that her husband may still live a long time.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because explaining that alternative treatment options may be helpful can be insensitive and unrealistic, as it may raise false hopes or imply that the husband's condition is not serious.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because encouraging the wife to share her feelings can help her cope with her grief and express her emotions in a supportive environment. The nurse should use active listening and empathic responses.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because offering reassurance that she is not alone can be dismissive and invalidating, as it may minimize her feelings or imply that she should not feel lonely.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because reminding her that her husband may still live a long time can be dishonest and inappropriate, as it may contradict the medical prognosis or imply that she should not prepare for his death.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because beginning with questions that are less sensitive in nature can help establish rapport and trust with the client, and make the client more comfortable and willing to disclose personal information.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because asking questions in a vague, non-specific format can confuse the client and lead to inaccurate or incomplete data. The nurse should ask clear, direct, and open-ended questions that elicit relevant information.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because getting the most difficult questions over with first can make the client feel anxious, embarrassed, or defensive, and discourage further communication. The nurse should build up to the more sensitive questions gradually and respectfully.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because sharing personal values to put the client at ease can be inappropriate and unprofessional, as it may impose the nurse's beliefs or opinions on the client or create bias or judgment. The nurse should maintain a neutral and objective attitude and respect the client's values.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: "I'm sorry, but your child's medical information is none of your business." is not a good response because it is rude and disrespectful. The nurse should maintain professionalism and empathy when dealing with parents.
Choice B: "I can give you those results as soon as I get them back from the lab." is not a good response because it violates confidentiality and privacy. The nurse should not share any medical information with anyone without the client's consent.
Choice C: "The healthcare provider will share this information with you." is not a good response because it implies that the parents have a right to know their child's medical information. The nurse should not make promises or assumptions that may not be true.
Choice D: "I can only give medical information to your child because they are legally an adult." is a good response because it explains the legal status of an emancipated minor and respects their autonomy. The nurse should inform the parents that their child has the right to make their own decisions regarding their health care.
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