An older adult client voices concerns to the nurse regarding the seemingly continued loss of family and friends to illness and death. The client states, "God is cruel. I have no one anymore. I am too old to make new friends; it's useless, everyone leaves me." Using Erickson's psychosocial theory, which interpretation by the nurse is the most appropriate based on the client's statements?

Question

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The client's statement indicates a struggle in achieving a sense of integrity versus despair, which is the developmental stage that occurs in late adulthood according to Erickson's psychosocial theory. The client's perception that God is cruel and that they have no one anymore suggests a struggle to find meaning and purpose in their life, which is a key component of the integrity versus despair stage.

An Older Adult Client Voices Concerns to the Nurse Regarding