A nurse is assessing a client who is a caregiver for his spouse with Alzheimer's disease. The nurse notices that the client has lost weight, appears fatigued, and reports feeling overwhelmed. What is the priority nursing intervention for this client?

Rationale: The nurse should use a trauma-informed approach, which involves providing safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment to the client. The nurse should express empathy and compassion, without assuming or labeling the client's diagnosis or condition. The nurse should also offer options and resources, without imposing or forcing them on the client.

Incorrect options:

A) "You are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You need to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible." - This statement may sound alarming or stigmatizing, as it labels the client's condition and prescribes a specific treatment without involving the client in the decision-making process. The nurse should avoid making assumptions or diagnoses based on limited information.

B) "You have been through a lot of trauma. It is normal to have these symptoms. They will go away with time." - This statement may sound dismissive or minimizing, as it normalizes the client's symptoms and does not acknowledge the impact or severity of their trauma. The nurse should avoid making generalizations or predictions about the client's recovery.

D) "You are in denial. You have to face your past and deal with it. Otherwise, you will never heal." - This statement may sound harsh or blaming, as it criticizes the client's coping mechanism and implies that they are responsible for their own healing. The nurse should avoid using guilt-tripping or shaming tactics that may damage the therapeutic relationship.

Rationale: The nurse should use active listening and empathy skills to acknowledge and validate the family members' feelings, without judging or dismissing them. The nurse should also avoid giving advice or opinions that may conflict with the client's wishes.

Incorrect options:

A) "I understand how you feel, but you have to respect your loved one's wishes." - This statement may sound patronizing or insensitive, as it implies that the nurse knows how the family members feel and that they are not respecting the client's wishes. The nurse should avoid using "but" statements, as they can negate or minimize the previous statement.

C) "Why are you angry? Don't you want your loved one to be comfortable?" - This statement may sound accusatory or defensive, as it questions the family members' motives and emotions. The nurse should avoid using "why" questions, as they can sound confrontational or judgmental.

D) "You should talk to your loved one and try to change their mind." - This statement may sound disrespectful or inappropriate, as it suggests that the nurse does not support the client's decision and that the family members should persuade the client otherwise. The nurse should avoid giving unsolicited advice or opinions that may interfere with the client's autonomy and dignity.