A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer and has a sealed radiation implant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Telling the daughter not to worry dismisses her emotional concerns and does not facilitate open communication. Addressing fears about a loved one’s death requires empathy and discussion to process grief and understand hospice care, which focuses on comfort. This response is inappropriate, as it avoids addressing the daughter’s needs.
Choice B reason: Acknowledging the daughter’s concerns about her mother’s death and inviting discussion is therapeutic. It validates her emotions, encouraging open dialogue about grief, hospice care, and end-of-life expectations. This approach supports psychological coping, aligns with palliative care principles, and helps the daughter prepare for her mother’s transition, making it appropriate.
Choice C reason: Discussing the mother’s cancer and its implications helps the daughter understand the disease progression and hospice care’s role in symptom management. This fosters informed communication, addressing fears and clarifying expectations. It supports emotional preparation for end-of-life discussions, making this response appropriate for facilitating understanding and coping.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the daughter to avoid thinking about dying dismisses the reality of the situation and hinders emotional processing. Hospice care involves preparing for end-of-life, and open discussions about death are therapeutic. This response is inappropriate, as it discourages necessary conversations about the mother’s condition and prognosis.

Choice A reason: Preparing for a paracentesis is inappropriate, as abdominal distention post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically due to retained carbon dioxide from insufflation, not ascites. Paracentesis is invasive and unnecessary, risking complications without addressing the cause, making it an incorrect intervention for this scenario.
Choice B reason: Assisting the client to ambulate promotes the expulsion of residual gas used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, relieving abdominal distention. Early mobility enhances circulation, reduces bloating, and prevents complications like ileus, aligning with postoperative care guidelines, making it the most effective and appropriate action.
Choice C reason: Inserting a rectal suppository is not indicated, as distention is likely from gas, not constipation, immediately post-cholecystectomy. Suppositories may cause discomfort without resolving gas-related bloating. This intervention is premature and misaligned with the cause, making it inappropriate.
Choice D reason: Placing the client in the prone position may worsen discomfort from abdominal distention by compressing the abdomen, trapping gas. Upright or walking positions facilitate gas movement and relief. This position is counterproductive, making it an incorrect choice for managing post-surgical distention.