An oncologist has recommended that a hospice patient receives palliative radiation to reduce the pain of bony metastases. The patient reacts with anger, saying, "l don't want any more treatments that don't cure my cancer!" The hospice nurse tells the patient that the use of radiation:

A. This statement may minimize the neighbor's grief by suggesting that time will automatically make things easier. While time can help with the grieving process, it is important to acknowledge and validate the neighbor's current feelings.

B. This statement may unintentionally invalidate the neighbor's grief by implying that he should be happy because his wife is no longer suffering. It disregards the neighbor's current emotional state and may not provide comfort.

C. This statement acknowledges the neighbor's gesture and his shared love of gardening with his wife, Helen. It validates his grief and provides an opportunity for the nurse to express her own appreciation for Helen's expertise, which may help the neighbor feel understood and supported.

D. This statement may pressure the neighbor to suppress his emotions and put on a façade of happiness, which could be detrimental to his grieving process. Additionally, suggesting what Helen would want may not be helpful in this situation, as grief is a personal and individual experience.

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.