A nurse is assisting with teaching a client about consuming a healthy diet to reduce stress. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason : Determining the success of coping strategies is an important part of the nursing process, but it is not the first step when caring for a client experiencing grief. The initial step should be to assess the client's current state, including their grieving process, before evaluating the effectiveness of past coping strategies.

Choice B reason : Establishing whether the client's grieving is healthy or complicated is the first action the nurse should take according to the nursing process. This assessment helps to identify the client's needs and guides the subsequent planning of care. Healthy grieving is a natural response to loss, whereas complicated grief may require more intensive intervention and support.

Choice C reason : Developing client-specific goals and outcomes is a crucial part of the nursing process but should come after the nurse has established a clear understanding of the client's grieving process. Goals and outcomes should be based on the initial assessment and tailored to the client's individual situation.

Choice D reason : Incorporating the treatment into the client's care is part of the implementation phase of the nursing process. This step occurs after the nurse has assessed the client, established goals, and planned interventions. Treatment should be based on a thorough understanding of the client's grieving process.

The correct answer is: d. Formal operational

Choice A: Concrete operational

During the concrete operational stage, which typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, children develop logical thinking skills. They begin to understand the concept of conservation, the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance. However, their thinking is still very concrete and tied to tangible objects and real events. Abstract thinking is not yet developed at this stage.

Choice B: Sensorimotor

The sensorimotor stage spans from birth to about 2 years of age. In this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and actions. They develop object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. Abstract thinking does not occur in this stage as infants are focused on immediate sensory experiences and motor activities.

Choice C: Preoperational

The preoperational stage occurs between the ages of 2 and 7. During this stage, children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to manipulate symbols, but they do not yet understand concrete logic. Their thinking is still egocentric, meaning they have difficulty seeing things from perspectives other than their own. Abstract thinking is not a characteristic of this stage.

Choice D: Formal operational

The formal operational stage begins around age 12 and continues into adulthood. This stage is characterized by the development of abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning. Individuals in this stage can think about abstract concepts, consider possible outcomes and consequences of actions, and use systematic ways to solve problems. This stage marks the emergence of scientific reasoning and the ability to think about abstract ideas.