A client has received some bad news about a prognosis from the physician. When the nurse comes in with medications, the client states in an angry tone, "You're late; I was just about to call the hospital administrator to complain." The nurse is aware that the client received a disappointing prognosis and understands the behavior as displacement. The nurse is silent for a few moments to let the client collect some thoughts and control any feelings. Which response should the nurse make next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option B is the best response as it acknowledges the client's emotional state and shows empathy. It also allows the client to open up about their concerns and feelings related to the disappointing prognosis. Options A, C, and D are not appropriate responses as they either deflect from the client's emotional state or falsely attribute emotions to the client.

A Client Has Received Some Bad News About a Prognosis