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 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.

It is important for the nurse to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the client. This includes respecting the client's personal space and privacy. By maintaining appropriate boundaries, the nurse ensures a therapeutic and professional relationship that focuses on the client's needs and promotes their well-being.
The other options are not appropriate when developing a relationship with the client:

1. Share personal information to help the client feel comfortable: While it is important to build rapport and create a supportive environment, sharing personal information may blur professional boundaries and divert the focus from the client to the nurse. The therapeutic relationship should primarily revolve around the client's needs and experiences.
2. Develop an emotional commitment to the client: While empathy and compassion are essential in providing care, it is important for the nurse to maintain professional objectivity. Developing an emotional commitment can make it challenging for the nurse to maintain appropriate boundaries and could lead to potential ethical issues.
3. He reminds the nurse of a personal friend or relative: It is important for the nurse to remain unbiased and treat each client as an individual. Drawing comparisons or associations with personal acquaintances can influence the nurse's objectivity and professionalism in providing care.