A nurse is admitting a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 72 hr. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Choice A rationale:

The family member understanding that the nurse can adjust the mother's pain medication as needed indicates an understanding of the nurse's role in managing the patient's symptoms. However, this statement does not demonstrate an understanding of end-of-life care as a holistic process involving various aspects beyond pain management.

Choice B rationale:

This choice reflects a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life care. The family's responsibility to obtain support services shows awareness of the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address physical, emotional, and practical needs during this process. End-of-life care is a collaborative effort, and this choice accurately acknowledges the role of the family in coordinating necessary services.

Choice C rationale:

The statement about prolonging the patient's life through services reflects a misconception about end-of-life care. The focus of end-of-life care is on improving the quality of life and managing symptoms rather than attempting to extend life. This choice suggests a lack of understanding about the terminal nature of the illness.

Choice D rationale:

Believing that the doctor will make all decisions about the patient's care might indicate a lack of involvement or shared decision-making in the care process. End-of-life care often involves discussions among the medical team, patients, and their families to ensure that the patient's wishes and preferences are respected.

Choice A rationale:

Chronic grief is characterized by a prolonged and ongoing sense of loss that doesn't seem to improve with time. It doesn't directly relate to maladaptive coping, which the client in the scenario is exhibiting. Chronic grief may involve a persistent yearning or sadness for the deceased, but it doesn't necessarily involve maladaptive coping strategies.

Choice B rationale:

The client's use of alcohol and controlled substances to cope with the death of their partner indicates an exaggerated grief response. Exaggerated grief involves an intense and prolonged expression of grief that may be accompanied by excessive, intense emotions and behaviors. The client's use of substances to cope is an unhealthy and maladaptive way of dealing with their grief.

Choice C rationale:

Delayed grief refers to a situation where the emotional response to a loss is significantly postponed, often resulting in a delayed and intense reaction later on. It doesn't necessarily involve maladaptive coping, as seen in the client's case.

Choice D rationale:

Masked grief occurs when the grieving person's behavior and emotional responses are influenced by the loss but not recognized as being related to it. This can lead to various physical or psychological symptoms that mask the true underlying cause, the grief. While maladaptive coping can sometimes be seen in masked grief, it doesn't directly correlate with the client's substance use in this scenario.