A nurse is caring for an older adult client following the sudden death of their spouse. The client feels stuck in their ability to deal with work and family responsibilities. The nurse should recognize that the client is experiencing which type of crisis?

Choice A reason:
An unwillingness to accept that treatment is needed is not, by itself, a condition that can legally justify extending a hospital hold beyond the initial 72 hours. Treatment refusal can be a complex issue and may require a deeper understanding of the client's capacity to make informed decisions.

Choice B reason:
The client's intention to move out of the state does not constitute a legal basis for extending a hospital hold. The focus of continued hospitalization would be on immediate safety concerns rather than future living arrangements.

Choice C reason:
Disliking a neighbor is not a condition that warrants an extended hospital hold. Personal feelings or disputes do not equate to a risk that justifies involuntary hospitalization.

Choice D reason:
If the client poses a danger to themselves or others, this is a condition under which the hospital can legally extend the hold beyond 72 hours. The primary concern is the safety of the client and those around them, and if there is a risk of harm, the client may be held involuntarily until it is deemed safe for them to be discharged.

Choice A Reason:
Providing sympathy can be comforting, but it may not always be conducive to establishing a therapeutic relationship. Sympathy involves feeling pity for someone else's misfortune, which can sometimes create a power imbalance or imply that the nurse sees the client as unable to cope. In contrast, empathy, which is understanding and sharing the feelings of another, is more aligned with therapeutic communication principles.

Choice B Reason:
Focusing on the words of the clients is important, but it is only one aspect of communication. Therapeutic relationships are built on understanding the full context of communication, including non-verbal cues and emotional undertones. Active listening involves not just hearing words, but also interpreting the message being conveyed and responding appropriately.

Choice C Reason:
Controlling the pace of establishing nurse-client relationships might be necessary in certain situations, but it should not be the primary action. Each client is unique, and the development of a therapeutic relationship will vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. The nurse should be flexible and patient, allowing the relationship to develop naturally.

Choice D Reason:
Demonstrating genuineness when communicating is fundamental to building trust and rapport, which are essential components of a therapeutic relationship. Genuineness involves being open, honest, and sincere. When nurses are genuine, clients are more likely to feel respected and understood, leading to a stronger therapeutic alliance.