A nurse is collecting data from a client whose child was killed 2 years ago. Which of the following actions Indicates that the client is experiencing maladaptive grieving?

This response reflects active listening and demonstrates empathy towards the client's feelings. It acknowledges the client's distress and encourages them to express their concerns and thoughts. By actively listening and showing genuine interest, the nurse can gather more information to assess the client's needs and determine the appropriate course of action.

Let's discuss why the other options are incorrect:

A. "Everything will be okay until morning. You can speak with your provider then." This response may dismiss or invalidate the client's current distress and fails to address their immediate concerns. It suggests waiting until morning without exploring the reasons behind the client's urgency.

C. "Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your provider in the morning." While the intention may be to offer assistance, this response does not address the client's emotional state or explore the reasons for their demand to see the provider. It may also not address the client's immediate needs and concerns.

D. "Why don't you wait until the morning? The provider will be available then." This response may come across as dismissive and may not acknowledge the client's current distress. It does not encourage the client to express their concerns or provide an opportunity for open communication.

This response reflects the therapeutic communication technique of reflection and validation. By acknowledging the client's feelings and reflecting on them back, the nurse shows empathy and encourages further discussion. It allows the client to express their emotions and concerns, fostering a trusting and supportive relationship between the nurse and the client.

incorrect:

A. "You are in really good shape for your age." This response dismisses the client's expressed feelings of despair and does not address the underlying emotions. It fails to acknowledge the client's emotional state and may minimize their concerns.

B. "This is just a minor setback. You will be back on your feet in no time." While the intention may be to provide reassurance, this response invalidates the client's feelings of hopelessness and disregards the significance of their emotional experience. It does not address the client's statement of feeling that their time is up.

C. "The doctors are going to take good care of you. There is nothing to worry about." This response focuses solely on the medical aspect of care and may disregard the client's emotional and existential concerns. It fails to acknowledge the client's expressed feelings of their time being up and does not encourage further exploration of their emotions.