The nurse is completing chemotherapy education with an adolescent client. The client states "I would rather continue to have cancer than lose all of my hair." How should the nurse respond?

Question

The nurse is completing chemotherapy education with an adolescent client.  The client states "I would rather continue to have cancer than lose all of my hair."  How should the nurse respond?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adolescent clients who are hospitalized often fear separation from their friends and altered body image related to disease processes or treatment. Interaction with peers who are experiencing similar health issues can help alleviate anxiety. Clients should be offered opportunities to discuss fears and experiences with peers in a supportive environment (eg, "teen rooms") (Option B). (Option A) Automatic or clichéd responses (eg, "It won't be so bad") are nontherapeutic as they limit discussion and expression of the client's experience and emotion. (Option C) Although the adolescent client may choose to wear head scarves, adjustment to alterations in body image is best achieved by connecting with peers in similar circumstances. (Option D) Shifting the client's focus to the future does not address the current crisis. In addition, adolescent clients are still developing abstract thinking and may have difficulty conceptualizing the future in times of distress. Educational objective: Adolescent clients who are hospitalized often fear altered body image and separation from their friends. Interaction with peers who are experiencing similar health issues can help alleviate anxiety.

The Nurse Is Completing Chemotherapy Education with an Adolescent Client