A patient roughly asks the nurse to bring him some ice cream. An assertive response by the nurse is:

Choice A reason: "Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows lecturing, which is a communication barrier that involves giving unsolicited advice or information to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel stereotyped, judged, or patronized, and may discourage further communication. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: "You sound frustrated in dealing with your wife’s drinking problem.” is the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s husband’s emotions, and invites him to express his concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "I think you are a good person to stay here with your wife.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows praise, which is a communication technique that involves giving positive feedback or recognition to the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It may make the client’s husband feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or pressured, and may not address his underlying feelings or needs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Have you discussed this subject at the support group meetings?” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows probing, which is a communication barrier that involves asking too many or inappropriate questions to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel defensive, invaded, or resentful, and may violate his privacy or confidentiality. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: Fear is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the client’s emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. It can be caused by factors such as uncertainty, lack of control, or loss of function. It can result in symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, or palpitations. The client may experience fear related to their chronic renal failure and its complications, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not directly affecting their physical health or safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Toileting self-care deficit is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the client’s ability to perform or complete activities related to urination or defecation. It can be caused by factors such as physical impairment, cognitive impairment, or environmental barriers. It can result in symptoms such as incontinence, constipation, or skin breakdown. The client may have a toileting self-care deficit related to their chronic renal failure and its effects on their urinary function, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not immediately life-threatening. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Excess fluid volume is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the retention of water and sodium in the body. It can be caused by factors such as renal failure, heart failure, or liver cirrhosis. It can result in symptoms such as edema, hypertension, tachycardia, dyspnea, or crackles. The client’s vital signs and physical findings suggest that they have excess fluid volume, which is the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it can lead to pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, or stroke if not treated promptly. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice D reason: Urinary retention is a nursing diagnosis that indicates a problem with the inability to empty the bladder completely or at all. It can be caused by factors such as obstruction, infection, or medication. It can result in symptoms such as difficulty or pain in urinating, frequent or urgent urination, or abdominal distension. The client may have urinary retention related to their chronic renal failure and its effects on their bladder function, but it is not the highest priority nursing diagnosis, as it is not directly causing their fluid overload or cardiovascular compromise. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.