A nurse is caring for a client who has been on hemodialysis for the past 5 years. The client is refusing hemodialysis and says, "I'm tired of wasting my life; I would rather die." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "You are feeling anxious now; why don't you give it some time before making a final decision?": This minimizes the client’s current emotional distress and does not address the seriousness of the statement. It may come across as dismissive rather than therapeutic. B. "You should talk with your family members before making this decision.": Although involving family in major decisions can be helpful, the focus should be on the client's feelings and wishes first. C. "I will discuss this with your primary health care provider, and we can discuss this more tomorrow.": Deferring the conversation may delay support for someone expressing emotional exhaustion and possible suicidal ideation. Prompt intervention is essential in these situations. D. "Let me refer you to talk to someone regarding your treatment options.": This response acknowledges the client's emotional state while also offering a supportive and appropriate next step. It opens access to counseling or mental health services and helps the client explore options without judgment.