A nurse is caring for a client following the recent, sudden death of his partner. The client says, "I feel paralyzed and can't seem to cope with work or family responsibilities anymore." Which of the following types of crisis is the client demonstrating?

This response reflects the therapeutic communication technique of reflection and validation. By acknowledging the client's feelings and reflecting on them back, the nurse shows empathy and encourages further discussion. It allows the client to express their emotions and concerns, fostering a trusting and supportive relationship between the nurse and the client.

incorrect:

A. "You are in really good shape for your age." This response dismisses the client's expressed feelings of despair and does not address the underlying emotions. It fails to acknowledge the client's emotional state and may minimize their concerns.

B. "This is just a minor setback. You will be back on your feet in no time." While the intention may be to provide reassurance, this response invalidates the client's feelings of hopelessness and disregards the significance of their emotional experience. It does not address the client's statement of feeling that their time is up.

C. "The doctors are going to take good care of you. There is nothing to worry about." This response focuses solely on the medical aspect of care and may disregard the client's emotional and existential concerns. It fails to acknowledge the client's expressed feelings of their time being up and does not encourage further exploration of their emotions.

The response "I will assist you in getting out of bed and getting dressed" demonstrates a supportive and therapeutic approach. It acknowledges the client's current state and offers assistance to engage in self-care activities. By providing support and actively participating in the client's care, the nurse can promote motivation, engagement, and a sense of empowerment.

The response "You can remain in bed until you feel well enough to join the milieu" may enable the client's depressive behaviors and reinforce the avoidance of activities. It does not encourage participation or provide support for the client to engage in therapeutic activities.

The response "The unit rules state that clients may not remain in bed" focuses on enforcing rules rather than addressing the client's underlying emotional state and needs. It may increase resistance and hinder the therapeutic relationship.

The response "If you don't participate in your care, you will not get better" may be perceived as blaming or judgmental. It may increase the client's guilt or sense of failure and does not provide practical support or encouragement.