A nurse is caring for a client who has received nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments and reports short-term memory loss. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The perception of family can vary among individuals, and it is important to respect the client's definition of family. By including people whom the client views as family, the nurse acknowledges the client's preferences and ensures that those who hold significance and provide support in the client's life are present during the interview.

Let's review the other options and explain why they may not be the most appropriate methods:

A. Include people who can support the client adequately: While it is important to involve individuals who can support the client, determining who can provide adequate support should be based on the client's perception and preference. The client's perspective on who can offer support may differ from the nurse's assessment, so it is crucial to involve individuals whom the client identifies as supportive.

B. Include people who live in the same house with the client: Proximity of residence does not necessarily determine the level of support or the client's perception of family. Including only individuals who live with the client may exclude other significant individuals in the client's life who may play a vital role in their support network.

D. Include people who are related to the client by blood and marriage: While blood relatives and family members by marriage can be important sources of support, it is not the sole criterion for inclusion. Clients may have chosen family or close friends who they consider to be their primary support system.

The appropriate response for the nurse in this situation would be: "I'll just sit here with you for a few minutes then."
This response acknowledges the client's expressed desire not to talk and respects their boundaries. It shows support and presence by offering companionship without pressuring the client to discuss their feelings. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client demonstrates empathy and provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.
The other options are not as appropriate:

1. "It might help you feel better if you talk about it." This response disregards the client's stated preference not to talk and may create a sense of pressure or intrusiveness. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and readiness to share their feelings.
2. "Why are you feeling so down?" This response directly asks the client to explain their feelings, which they have already indicated they do not want to discuss. It can be seen as intrusive and may make the client feel uncomfortable or defensive.
3. "I understand. I've felt like that before, too." While empathy is important, this response brings the focus back to the nurse's own experiences, potentially diverting the attention from the client. It is important for the nurse to remain focused on the client's needs and create a supportive environment for them to express their feelings if they choose to do so.