A nurse is conducting a psychosocial assessment of a client who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Which question should the nurse ask to assess the client's social support system?

The nurse should use open-ended questions to explore the client's feelings and beliefs about their condition and the meaning of life. This can help the client to express their emotions, identify their sources of strength and hope, and cope with their situation.

Incorrect options:

A) "You have every right to feel angry. This is not fair." - This is an empathic statement, but it does not encourage further communication or exploration of the client's feelings. It may also reinforce the client's negative emotions and sense of hopelessness.

B) "I understand how you feel. I have lost many loved ones to cancer." - This is an attempt to show empathy, but it is not appropriate to share personal experiences or compare the client's situation to others. This may make the client feel invalidated or minimized.

C) "Maybe you should talk to a spiritual counselor. They can help you find some peace." - This is a suggestion that may be helpful for some clients, but it should not be imposed on the client without assessing their willingness or preference for spiritual support. It may also imply that the nurse is avoiding the client's feelings or imposing their own beliefs.

The nurse should assess the client's spiritual beliefs and values and provide support that is consistent with them. This can help the client to cope with their fears, find comfort and hope, and achieve a sense of closure.

Incorrect options:

A) Provide reassurance that death is a natural part of life and that they will not suffer. - This is a general statement that may not address the client's specific concerns or questions about death and the afterlife. It may also contradict the client's beliefs or expectations.

C) Administer prescribed sedatives or analgesics to relieve the client's anxiety or pain. - This is an intervention that may be necessary to manage the client's physical symptoms, but it does not address the underlying psychological or spiritual issues that are causing the fear of dying.

D) Refer the client to a mental health professional for counseling and therapy. - This is an intervention that may be beneficial for some clients, but it should not be done without assessing the client's readiness or preference for this type of support. It may also imply that the nurse is unable to handle the client's emotions or that the fear of dying is abnormal.