A nurse is speaking with a family member of a client who has a terminal diagnosis. The family member states, "I'm having a hard time letting her go." The nurse should recognize that the family member is experiencing which of the following types of grief?

A. "Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication.": Repeating a dose after vomiting can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. It is important to notify the healthcare provider rather than automatically administering another dose.

B. "Limit your child's potassium intake while she is taking this medication.": Limiting potassium is unsafe, as low potassium levels increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Adequate potassium intake should be maintained, and potassium levels monitored, especially if the child is on diuretics.

C. "Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication.": Encouraging the child to drink water helps ensure the full dose is swallowed and reduces irritation to the esophagus, promoting safe and effective administration.

D. "You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child's favorite juice.": Digoxin should not be mixed with large volumes of liquid because toddlers may not consume the entire dose, leading to underdosing. Small amounts of liquid can be used to aid administration but must be measured carefully.

A. "You did the right thing by bringing your partner in for treatment.": While supportive, this statement provides reassurance rather than facilitating expression of feelings or exploration of the partner’s experience. Therapeutic communication focuses on encouraging dialogue and understanding.

B. "Why do you think your partner's symptoms are progressing so quickly?": Asking “why” can come across as judgmental and may make the partner defensive. It does not encourage open discussion about feelings or experiences, which is central to therapeutic interaction.

C. "Can you talk about what was happening with your partner at home?": This open-ended statement encourages the partner to describe observations and feelings, promoting emotional expression and building rapport. It facilitates assessment of the home environment and caregiving challenges, which is essential in planning support.

D. "You should make sure your partner takes the prescribed medication.": This directive focuses on compliance rather than exploring the partner’s emotional state or providing support. It does not address the partner’s immediate feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty.