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Difficulty: MediumSupport Systems

An oncology nurse is evaluating a client newly diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. The client states, "I have not told my partner about the diagnosis yet. They struggle with severe anxiety, and hearing this news will completely overwhelm them. I plan to handle my chemotherapy appointments on my own." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

  1. Who else in your life might be available to offer you support during your upcoming treatments?Answer
  2. B
    You should really inform your partner; hiding this diagnosis will only create more stress later.
  3. C
    Why do you believe your partner would be unable to cope with this information?
  4. D
    I will immediately submit a referral to a medical social worker to arrange your transportation.

Answer

The response that asks who else in the client's life might be available to offer support.
The correct response utilizes an open-ended question to assess the client's broader support network. It respects the client's autonomous decision to withhold the diagnosis from their partner for now, while actively addressing the nursing priority: ensuring the client has adequate psychosocial and practical support during a difficult treatment regimen.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify the core psychosocial issue.
The client is facing a serious diagnosis and grueling treatment plan without their primary support person (partner) due to concerns about the partner's mental health.
Understanding the client's rationale helps the nurse identify that the client is currently lacking an active, reliable support system for their upcoming treatments.
2
Evaluate the nursing role in relation to support systems and client boundaries.
The nurse must ensure the client has adequate support while respecting their autonomy and confidentiality.
Clients need robust support systems to cope with major illnesses, but the nurse cannot force the client to disclose their diagnosis to a specific person.
3
Select the most therapeutic communication technique to address the deficit.
The nurse should ask an open-ended question to explore alternative sources of support.
This approach validates the client's current situation without judgment, avoids premature interventions, and directly assesses the availability of a broader support network.

Key Concept

Evaluating and mobilizing client support systems through therapeutic communication.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Support Systems

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