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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's first step in assisting the family should be to examine their own feelings and ensure they are not in a state of denial. This will allow the nurse to provide appropriate support and care for the family during this difficult time. Once the nurse has addressed their own emotional state, they can then allow the family to express their sadness and offer spiritual support if appropriate. Providing structure and continuity can also be helpful, but it is not the first step in this situation.

The Family of a Young Adult Client Who Has Recently