A nurse is caring for an older adult client who recently began experiencing mild confusion. The client's two adult children are arguing loudly at the bedside about long-term care plans. One child turns to the nurse and asks, 'Don't you agree that our parent needs to go to a nursing home immediately because of this decline?' What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- It sounds like you both are very concerned about your parent's safety. Let's arrange a family meeting with the care team to discuss all available options.Answer
- BI agree that a nursing facility is the safest option, as providing 24-hour care at home can become too overwhelming for families.
- COccasional confusion is a normal physiological part of the aging process, so you should not rush into making any drastic living arrangements.
- DI will ask the unlicensed assistive personnel to sit with you to help mediate this discussion while I check on my other clients.
Answer
The most appropriate response acknowledges the family's underlying emotions, avoids taking sides in their conflict, and suggests an interdisciplinary family meeting.
This response is highly therapeutic because it uses empathy and reflection to validate the family's underlying emotional distress ('concerned about your parent's safety') without taking a side in their argument. By suggesting a family meeting, the nurse establishes professional boundaries, avoids being triangulated into the conflict, and guides the family toward a safe, interdisciplinary approach to decision-making.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Family Triangulation and Therapeutic Boundaries