A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about self-administration of ophthalmic drops. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice d. Actual loss.

Choice A rationale: Complicated grief refers to an intense and prolonged period of mourning that interferes with daily life. It is not typically associated with the immediate postoperative period following a mastectomy.

Choice B rationale: Maturational loss is related to the normal life transitions and developmental changes, such as children leaving home or retirement. It does not apply to the loss experienced after a mastectomy.

Choice C rationale: Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person’s grief is not socially recognized or supported, such as the loss of a pet or an ex-spouse. While the grief after a mastectomy can be profound, it is generally acknowledged and supported by healthcare providers and society.

Choice D rationale: Actual loss refers to the tangible loss of a person, object, or body part. In this case, the client is experiencing the loss of a breast, which is a significant and visible change to their body. This type of loss can deeply affect a person’s self-image and emotional well-being.

The correct answer is choice B: Ask the client what they already know about meal planning.

Choice A rationale:

Using pictures of different food groups can be helpful in teaching about carbohydrate counting, but it's important to assess the client's current knowledge and understanding before introducing new information. Starting with this approach might overwhelm the client or duplicate information they already possess.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Before providing education, it's crucial to assess the client's baseline knowledge. By asking the client what they already know about meal planning, the nurse can tailor the teaching plan to fill in any gaps and avoid presenting redundant information. This approach respects the client's current understanding and focuses on addressing their specific needs.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the client a brochure with sample menus can be helpful once the nurse has assessed the client's knowledge and educational needs. However, providing the brochure as the first action might not be effective if the client already has some understanding of meal planning or if the brochure does not address the client's specific questions.

Choice D rationale:

Involving the family in the discussion of the client's meal plan is important for long-term support, but it shouldn't be the first action. First, the nurse should ensure that the client's own understanding and preferences are addressed before considering input from family members.