A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of chronic renal failure. The nurse should recognize which of the following client statements as an indication of anticipatory grief?

Provide laxatives and stool softeners to prevent constipation (Option A): While constipation may be a concern for immobile patients, there is no indication in the scenario that the patient is currently experiencing constipation. Therefore, providing laxatives and stool softeners would not be a priority at this time.

Provide him with an air pressure mattress (Option B): This option is appropriate because the patient is immobile and at risk of developing pressure ulcers due to prolonged bed rest. An air pressure mattress helps distribute pressure evenly and reduces the risk of pressure ulcer formation, which is crucial for maintaining skin integrity and preventing complications.

Coax him to eat high-calorie, high-fat food (Option C): Although the patient is experiencing weight loss due to poor nutrition, coaxing him to eat high-calorie, high-fat food may not be appropriate if he is experiencing nausea and anorexia. This approach may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort.

Contact the primary care provider for an order for tube feeding (Option D): While tube feeding may be considered if the patient is unable to meet his nutritional needs orally, it should not be the first intervention. Before considering tube feeding, other options for improving oral intake and addressing nausea and anorexia should be explored. Additionally, tube feeding may not address the patient's immobility and risk of pressure ulcers. Therefore, providing an air pressure mattress is a more appropriate intervention in this scenario.

A. Is no longer grieving the death of his wife: This option makes an assumption about the patient's grief based solely on the choice of words used to describe his wife's passing. The patient's use of a euphemism does not provide enough information to determine the extent of his grieving process.

B. Has a strong religious belief system: While the patient's statement may suggest a belief in an afterlife or reward, it doesn't necessarily indicate the strength of his religious beliefs. Using euphemisms for death is common across various belief systems and cultural backgrounds.

C. Is uncomfortable with the term "death" and is using a euphemism: This is the correct response. The patient's choice of words, "went on to her reward," indicates a discomfort with directly stating "death." Euphemisms like this are often used as a coping mechanism to soften the reality of death or to adhere to cultural or personal preferences.

D. Has dysfunctional grieving and is unable to address his wife's death: There is no evidence in the scenario to suggest dysfunctional grieving. The patient's use of a euphemism does not necessarily indicate an inability to address his wife's death. It may simply reflect individual preferences or cultural norms regarding discussing death.