The husband of a client with terminal cancer has expressed a high degree of stress over his role as caregiver. When asked whether he has suicidal or homicidal thoughts, he answers, "Sometimes

Question

" Which of the following statements by the nurse is most therapeutic initially? a. "What is the hardest part about your wife's impending death?"
b. "Can you describe your plan for killing yourself and your wife?"
c. "What can I do to help make caring for your wife less stressful?"
d. "Can you tell me how caring for your wife has affected you personally?"

Answer 1

B
If the client indicates suicidal or homicidal ideations, the nurse needs to calmly determine if the person has a plan and how lethal the means are.
The question "What is the hardest part about your wife's impending death?" is appropriate after safety issues have been addressed.
The question "What can I do to help make caring for your wife less stressful?" is appropriate to assist with problem solving once safety issues have been addressed.
The question "Can you tell me how caring for your wife has affected you personally?" is appro-priate to assist with problem solving once safety issues have been addressed.