A nurse working in a community clinic is talking with an older adult client who states that their life has no purpose. The nurse should identify that the client is in which of the following stages of Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development?

The correct answer is choice D: "Instruct the client to tilt their head forward while eating."

Choice A rationale:

Offering the client a straw to drink liquids might not be suitable for someone with dysphagia following a stroke. Straws can sometimes contribute to aspiration risk, especially if the client has difficulty controlling their swallowing reflex. Using a straw might lead to aspiration of liquids, which can be dangerous for the client's respiratory health.

Choice B rationale:

Placing food toward the back of the client's mouth could increase the risk of choking and aspiration, especially if the client has difficulty swallowing due to dysphagia. It's important to place small bites of food at the front of the mouth and encourage slow, controlled chewing and swallowing to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to lie down and rest for 30 minutes after meals is not a recommended intervention for someone with dysphagia. This position can actually increase the risk of aspiration. The client should be in an upright position while eating and for some time after eating to allow gravity to assist in preventing aspiration.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client to tilt their head forward while eating helps to facilitate safer swallowing by preventing food from entering the airway. This posture helps direct the food toward the esophagus and reduces the risk of aspiration. It's an essential technique for clients with dysphagia to maintain their airway safety while eating.

The correct answer is choice D: A client who has just experienced the death of their child.

Choice A rationale:

Offering silence to a client who plans to leave the facility against medical advice might not be the most appropriate therapeutic communication technique. Silence in this situation could be misconstrued as ignoring the client's concerns or not addressing their reasons for wanting to leave. Active listening and open-ended questioning would likely be more effective in understanding and addressing the client's concerns.

Choice B rationale:

A client who informs the nurse that they have made their funeral arrangements is expressing thoughts and emotions that might require sensitive communication. Silence in this context could be interpreted as neglecting the client's need for support and empathy. The nurse should engage in a compassionate conversation and encourage the client to share their feelings.

Choice C rationale:

For a client who tells the nurse that the night shift nurse did not bring their medication, silence would not be the most suitable response. This situation calls for clarification and action, as the nurse needs to address the medication discrepancy promptly. Engaging in open communication and resolving the issue is essential here.

Choice D rationale:

A client who has just experienced the death of their child is likely overwhelmed with grief and intense emotions. In this scenario, using the therapeutic communication technique of silence can provide the client with a supportive space to process their feelings. Offering a moment of silence acknowledges the depth of their emotions and gives them the opportunity to express themselves when they are ready.