An older patient who lives with family has a history of chronic alcohol abuse and poor compliance with the medical plan.The patient has begun to experience a marked decline.His family tells the nurse that these problems are a result of their inability to care for the patient properly.The nurse best responds by:

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Family members often feel they have failed.They may need help to recognize when "failures" are the result of a challenging situation and not their performance.Giving objective information about the patient's medical condition and the consequences of not following the medical regime can help alleviate guilt.The nurse may need to evaluate the care the patient gets,but that puts the entire responsibility back on the family,which is counterproductive.Care may need to be assumed by a professional,but the nurse should first help the family with their feelings.Suggesting this prematurely can lead to increased guilt.Telling the family their care is motivated by love dismisses their concerns.

An Older Patient Who Lives with Family Has a History