A male client is admitted to the unit with a possible diagnosis of delirium. Which statement by the client's wife best supports the diagnosis?

Choice A rationale:

Telling the parents that they should not feel guilty might invalidate their emotions and discourage open communication. It's essential to acknowledge their feelings and address them empathetically.

Choice B rationale:

This choice demonstrates therapeutic communication and empathy. It encourages the parents to express their feelings, and the nurse is offering to listen and explore the reasons behind their guilt.

Choice C rationale:

This statement seems confrontational and may discourage the parents from sharing their emotions openly. Asking why they feel guilty immediately might put them on the defensive.

Choice D rationale:

While this statement acknowledges the difficulty of the situation, it ends with a premature reassurance that may not be well-received. The parents need space to discuss their feelings before focusing on the future.

The correct answer is choice D: "The partner has lost 25 lbs in the past 3 months."

Choice D rationale:

This choice is the correct answer because significant weight loss in a caregiver, such as the partner of a client with Alzheimer's disease, is indicative of caregiver role strain. Caregiver role strain refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological stress experienced by caregivers due to the demands of providing care for a loved one. Weight loss in this context suggests that the partner's own health and well-being are being compromised due to the caregiving responsibilities.

Choice A rationale:

This choice might be related to safety concerns and trying to prevent the client from wandering, but it does not directly indicate caregiver role strain. Placing locks at the top of doors is a common safety measure to prevent clients with Alzheimer's disease from wandering and getting lost.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is actually a positive observation. Redirecting a frustrated client is a helpful and appropriate caregiving strategy. It indicates that the partner is actively engaged in managing the client's behavior and emotions, which is not a sign of caregiver role strain.

Choice C rationale:

Hiring a house cleaner is a practical decision and could be a sign of the partner's effort to manage their caregiving responsibilities more effectively. While it might imply a certain level of stress, it doesn't directly point to caregiver role strain as much as the significant weight loss does.