A terminal patient asks the nurse if he could be given a deliberate overdose of medication that would "end this." According to the Code for Nurses, the nurse's most ethical response would be:

A. Anger: Anger involves feelings of frustration, resentment, or hostility towards the situation or others. The statement does not express anger but rather a refusal to accept the possibility of a serious illness.

B. Depression: Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. While the statement may reflect concern, it does not indicate depressive symptoms.

C. Acceptance: Acceptance is characterized by coming to terms with one's impending death or loss. The statement does not indicate acceptance of the possibility of having cancer.

D. Bargaining: Bargaining involves attempting to negotiate or make deals to change the outcome of a situation. The statement does not suggest bargaining behavior.

E. Denial: Denial is the initial stage where individuals refuse to accept the reality of their situation. The statement "I've had stomach problems for years. I don't have cancer." suggests a refusal to accept the possibility of having cancer despite ongoing health issues. Therefore, it correlates with denial.

A. Listening attentively when the client talks about the past allows the nurse to provide emotional support and validation for the client's feelings of grief. It demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express their emotions, which can be therapeutic.

B. Telling the client that feelings of grief are a common problem of the aging population may invalidate the client's individual experience and minimize their feelings. Each person's experience of grief is unique, and acknowledging this is important for effective support.

C. Providing activities to distract the client from dwelling on the past may temporarily divert attention but does not address the underlying feelings of grief. Encouraging avoidance of emotions may hinder the client's ability to cope effectively.

D. Comparing the client's experience to that of younger clients who have experienced loss may not be helpful and could potentially minimize the significance of the client's feelings. It is important to focus on the individual client's experience and provide personalized support.