A nurse is admitting a client to the psychiatric unit after attempting suicide. The client states, "My family does not care whether I live or die."

Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Assisted living facilities are suitable for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living but do not require skilled nursing care. This option might not be necessary based on the partner's exhaustion alone.

Choice B rationale:

Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Given the partner's exhaustion, respite care would offer the much-needed rest, reducing caregiver burnout and ensuring better care for the client at home.

Choice C rationale:

Rehabilitation services are designed for patients who need specialized therapy after an illness or injury. While they might be beneficial for the client following a stroke, they do not directly address the partner's exhaustion and need for relief.

Choice D rationale:

Skilled nursing facilities provide 24/7 medical care for individuals with complex medical needs. The partner's exhaustion does not necessarily indicate the need for skilled nursing care, as the client's condition and care requirements were not provided in the scenario.

- A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.

- B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.

- C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.

- D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.