A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has full-thickness burns on their leg. The client expresses concern about their future. Which of the following is a therapeutic response by the nurse?

A. "You shouldn't worry about the future so you can concentrate on getting well.":

This response dismisses the client's concerns and may make them feel invalidated. It implies that their worry is not justified and may hinder open communication about their feelings.

B. "If you work hard on your physical therapy, you won't need to worry.":

While encouragement and motivation are essential, this response may come across as minimizing the client's emotional concerns. It focuses solely on the physical aspect of recovery and does not address the broader emotional and psychological aspects of the client's worry about the future.

C. "You're concerned about what will happen when you leave the hospital?":

This response reflects active listening and empathy, acknowledging the client's expressed concern and inviting further discussion. It allows the client to express their feelings and concerns about the future, fostering a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.

D. "Why are you concerned even though everyone is here to help you?":

This response might be perceived as judgmental or dismissive of the client's feelings. It could make the client feel defensive and hesitant to share their concerns. It does not encourage open communication or exploration of the client's emotions.

A. The client is consuming 25% of their meals.

Poor nutritional intake can lead to complications over time, but it is not the most immediate concern compared to other options. This finding is important but not the highest priority.

B. The client coughs frequently while eating.

Frequent coughing while eating can indicate dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which increases the risk of aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, which is life-threatening. This is the nurse’s priority finding because it poses an immediate risk to the client’s airway and respiratory status.

C. The client's blood pressure is 142/94 mm Hg.

The blood pressure is elevated, which is concerning, especially in a post-stroke client. However, it is not critically high and does not present an immediate threat compared to the risk of aspiration.

D. The client leans to the left side while sitting.

Leaning to the left side while sitting could indicate poor balance or proprioception, which increases the risk of falls. While important to address, it is not as immediately critical as the risk of aspiration.