An elderly war veteran with prostate cancer and coronary artery disease is hospitalized for urosepsis. The client becomes angry with the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), who is trying to help the client bathe. Later, the UAP expresses frustration with the client to the registered nurse. Which statement would be the most appropriate response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anger is often a sign of psychological distress stemming from anxiety, fear, or loss of control. This elderly veteran has likely had life-long control. Now, with worsening health issues and an acute illness, the client has lost control, causing anger. The feelings are probably accentuated by hospitalization and by staff such as the UAP trying to do things for the client that the client could do alone. A client who is angry should be given the opportunity to express concerns openly. It is important to approach the conversation with an open, accepting, nonjudgmental attitude. The nurse can show the UAP how to deal with these issues. The UAP plays an important role in developing an interdisciplinary plan of care for hygiene and activities of daily living (ADLs) that the client will accept. Therefore, the nurse and the UAP should go together to learn about the client's concerns. They can then work with the client to create a plan for hygiene and ADLs that will allow the client more control while ensuring safety and quality care (Option C). (Option A) This is a team problem, so the nurse should seek a solution that includes the UAP, who can contribute to the solution and will learn from the process. (Option B) Reassigning the UAP will not address the client's concern, and the client may get angry with other staff. (Option D) This situation will require skilled communication and an empathetic approach, which the UAP is probably not ready to handle alone. Educational objective: Anger is often a symptom of psychological distress associated with anxiety, fear, or loss of control. An appropriate response to an angry client is to listen with an open, accepting attitude, and collaborate with the client and other staff to create a care plan that addresses psychological and physical needs.

An Elderly War Veteran with Prostate Cancer and Coronary Artery