A nurse is caring for a client who is starting treatment for substance use disorder. Which of the following actions indicates the nurse is practicing the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?

A. Recommend that the client participate in more solitary activities.
This option is not suitable because encouraging solitary activities may lead to further isolation, which can worsen the client's depressive feelings. Social support and connection are often crucial during the grieving process.

B. Explain to the client that the duration of grief is highly variable and can last for years.
This is the correct choice. Grief is a complex and individual process, and there is no specific timeline for how long it should last. Some people may continue to experience feelings of sadness and loss for an extended period after the death of a loved one. Validating the client's emotions and letting them know that their experience is within the range of normal can be comforting.

C. Encourage the client to avoid discussing the events surrounding the sibling's death.
This option is not recommended. Encouraging the client to avoid discussing their feelings can hinder the healing process. Open communication about the loss can help the client process their emotions and find ways to cope.

D. Caution the client against feeling angry at the sibling.
This option is not appropriate. Allowing the client to express their feelings, including anger, is a healthy part of the grieving process. Suppressing emotions, including anger, can lead to complications in the grieving process. It is essential to acknowledge and validate all the client's emotions.

A. "Talking about the traumatic experience is recommended."
This statement is generally correct. Many therapeutic approaches for PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, involve talking about the traumatic experience in a controlled and supportive environment. However, the timing and method of discussing the trauma should be guided by a mental health professional.

B. "Response prevention is an effective treatment for PTSD."
This statement is incorrect. Response prevention is a therapeutic technique often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves preventing the usual response to a trigger. However, for PTSD, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are more common therapeutic approaches.

C. "You should try to limit the number of hours that you sleep each day."
This statement is incorrect. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall mental and physical health, and disrupting sleep patterns can worsen symptoms of PTSD. Sleep disturbances are common in PTSD, and part of managing the disorder often involves addressing sleep problems.

D. "Avoiding stimuli that trigger memories of the trauma can help you overcome your PTSD."
This statement is generally correct. Avoiding triggers that bring back memories of the trauma is a common coping strategy. However, while avoidance might provide short-term relief, it's not a long-term solution. Evidence-based therapies often involve confronting and processing these triggers in a safe and controlled way, under the guidance of a therapist.