A nurse is assisting with a community health education and support service for individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when caring for these individuals?

A. Referring to the deceased person as the client is inappropriate. In this setting, the surviving individuals are the clients receiving support. This statement demonstrates misunderstanding of therapeutic communication. B. While sensitivity is important, avoiding mentioning the deceased’s name may create emotional distance. Therapeutic communication allows appropriate acknowledgment of the loss without forcing the topic. C. Asking open-ended questions encourages individuals to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their grief. This approach promotes emotional processing, validates feelings, and supports healthy coping. It is a key therapeutic communication technique in grief counseling. D. There is no recommended waiting period before joining a support group. Early support can be beneficial, and delaying participation unnecessarily may limit access to helpful resources.