The client comes to the emergency department with a myocardial infarction. The client's husband tells the nurse that his wife has been taking calcium carbonate (Tums) for years for what she thought was indigestion. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "Your wife should not have self-diagnosed herself. I hope she will be okay."
2. "Why did you let her do that? She should have seen a doctor."
3. "Well, I am glad she is here, as it certainly wasn't indigestion."
4. "Your wife was self-diagnosing, which is generally not a good idea."
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Clients take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for many reasons. Self-treatment is sometimes ineffective, and the potential for harm may increase if the disease is allowed to progress. Asking the husband why he let his wife take Tums is non-therapeutic and too accusatory; do not ask "why" questions. Telling the husband that "it certainly wasn't indigestion" is judgmental and will alienate the client and husband. Telling the husband "I hope she will be okay" is a very frightening response that implies she might die, and this is non-therapeutic.
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