A nurse is planning to use the nursing process to care for a client who is experiencing grief.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Establishing whether the client's grieving is healthy or complicated is the first step in the nursing process when caring for a client experiencing grief. This step falls under the assessment phase of the nursing process and is essential for understanding the client's needs and planning appropriate care.

Choice B rationale:

Developing client-specific goals and outcomes comes after the assessment phase in the planning stage of the nursing process. While important, it is not the first action the nurse should take in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Incorporating the treatment into the client's care occurs during the implementation phase of the nursing process and follows assessment and planning. This is not the first action.

Choice D rationale:

Determining whether coping strategies were successful is part of the evaluation phase of the nursing process, which occurs after the implementation of care. It is not the first step in this situation. Now, let's proceed to the final question.

Choice A rationale:

Role performance. Role performance is a self-concept stressor that occurs when individuals struggle to meet their responsibilities and expectations in various roles, such as work, family, or social roles. In this scenario, the client is feeling stressed due to the demands of work and caring for an ill family member, indicating a struggle with their roles and responsibilities.

Choice B rationale:

Body image. Body image relates to how individuals perceive and feel about their physical appearance. It is not the primary self-concept stressor described in this situation. While stressors related to body image can cause psychological distress, the client's stress is primarily linked to their roles and responsibilities.

Choice C rationale:

Self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall self-worth and self-evaluation. While it can contribute to stress in various situations, the client's stress in this case is more directly related to their role performance and responsibilities.

Choice D rationale:

Identity. Identity concerns are related to an individual's sense of self and how they define themselves in terms of their values, beliefs, and personal characteristics. While identity can be a source of stress in some cases, the client's reported stress is primarily due to their inability to manage their roles effectively.