A home health nurse is caring for a client who has a chronic illness and recently moved in with their adult child. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse that the client has adapted to their new situational role?

A. "I will weigh myself once weekly."Clients with heart failure should weigh themselves daily to monitor for fluid retention. A sudden weight gain (e.g., 2-3 lbs in 24 hours or 5 lbs in a week) may indicate worsening heart failure and should be reported to the provider.

B. "I will take my new medication in the evening."Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine output. Taking it in the evening can lead to nocturia and sleep disturbances. Instead, it should be taken in the morning to minimize nighttime urination.

C. "I will take a hot bath before going to bed."Hot baths can cause vasodilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which increases the risk of dizziness and falls, especially in older adults taking diuretics. A warm (not hot) bath is safer.

D. "I will leave a light on in my bathroom at night."Older adults, especially those taking diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, are at increased risk for nocturia and falls due to frequent trips to the bathroom. Keeping a light on in the bathroom at night enhances visibility and reduces the risk of falls, which is a major concern in this population.

A. "Enjoy the time you have and do the things you want to do":

While this response may seem supportive, it does not address the client's expressed desire for aggressive treatment. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's wishes and provide appropriate support and information to help them make decisions about their care.

B. "Hospice care is the best thing for you at this time":

While hospice care may be appropriate for some clients with terminal illnesses, it is not appropriate to assume that it is the best option for every client. The nurse should not impose their own beliefs or preferences onto the client and should instead support the client in exploring their options and making decisions based on their individual needs and preferences.

C. "You need to understand that you have very little time left":

This response may be seen as dismissive or insensitive to the client's wishes for aggressive treatment. It does not acknowledge the client's autonomy or right to make decisions about their own care. The nurse should approach the situation with empathy and respect for the client's wishes, while also providing support and information to help them make informed decisions.

D. "I will contact your provider to discuss your options."

The client has expressed a desire for aggressive treatment, and it is important for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and preferences. By stating that they will contact the provider to discuss the client's options, the nurse ensures that the client's wishes are communicated effectively and that they receive appropriate information and support to make informed decisions about their care.