The family of a young adult client who has recently been diagnosed with a rapidly progressing terminal illness tells the nurse, "This cannot be happening. There must be some mistake in the testing."

What should be the nurse's first step in assisting this family?
1. Provide structure and continuity to promote feelings of security.
2. Examine the nurse's own feelings to ensure denial is not shared.
3. Offer spiritual support.
4. Allow the family to express sadness.


Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This would be appropriate to do after the nurse first addresses the potential issue of self-denial of the situation.
Rationale 2: The nurse must first self-examine feelings to ensure that the nurse's behaviors do not demonstrate denial of the situation.
Rationale 3: This would be appropriate to do after the nurse first addresses the potential issue of self-denial of the situation.
Rationale 4: This would be appropriate to do after the nurse first addresses the potential issue of self-denial of the situation.

Nursing

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