A Patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Has Progressed

A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has progressed to the fibrotic phase. The patient's family members are anxious about the patient's condition and are continuously present at the hospital. In addressing the family's concerns, it is important for the nurse to

A) support the family and help them understand the realistic expectation that the patient's chance for survival is poor.
B) inform the family that home health nurses will be able to help them maintain the mechanical ventilation at home after patient discharge.
C) refer the family to social support services and case management to plan for transfer of the patient to a long-term care facility.
D) provide hope and encouragement to the family because the patient's disease process has started to resolve.