A Home Care Nurse Is Teaching an Older Client About

A home care nurse is teaching an older client about colostomy care. The client's wife is taking charge of the irrigations. Both are very anxious. During the procedure, the wife continually watches the nurse, asking "Is this correct?" and waits for approval before continuing. Both the client and his wife express how glad they are that the nurse is coming and that they don't know what they will do without the help. Knowing that the goal of care is to promote independence, how will the nurse address these behaviors?
Select all that apply.

A) Reinforce the wife's competency and the strength of coping as a team.
B) Remind the couple that there are only a few visits left.
C) Tell the husband he has to do the irrigation.
D) Gradually encourage them to do the procedure on their own, while continuing to provide support.
E) Recognize this passive behavior and take a firm stand against it.