A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new colostomy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when demonstrating how to change the ostomy appliance?

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Requesting additional information about the caller's relationship to the client does not ensure the caller's identity is verified, and it could still result in a breach of confidentiality.

Choice B rationale: Providing a general update about the client's condition over the telephone is not appropriate, as it could breach the client's confidentiality.

Choice C rationale: Referring the family member to the client's provider for the update respects confidentiality and ensures that information is only provided to authorized individuals, maintaining the client's privacy.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging the family member to contact the client directly for information ensures that the client has control over their own information and maintains confidentiality. This action respects the client's privacy and autonomy.

Choice A rationale:

"Since I retired, I have entered many gardening competitions." This statement indicates compensation as a defense mechanism. Compensation involves emphasizing personal strengths in one area to shift focus from failure or weakness in another. In this case, the client is finding fulfillment and recognition in gardening competitions after retiring, compensating for the loss of work-related identity.

Choice B rationale:

Expressing relief about retirement due to negative work experiences doesn’t necessarily indicate compensation. It could be a coping mechanism, but it doesn't align with the compensation defense mechanism, which involves overachieving in one area to compensate for deficiencies in another.

Choice C rationale:

Choice D rationale:

Journaling about career accomplishments after layoffs indicates sublimation, not compensation. Sublimation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses or behaviors are transformed into socially acceptable actions or pursuits, like channeling frustration or disappointment into creative or productive activities such as journaling.