A nurse is caring for a client who is crying after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale: A. "I'm going to contact your partner for you now.": While involving loved ones can be supportive, taking action without first addressing the client’s emotional state or asking their preference may feel dismissive or intrusive during a vulnerable moment. B. "Let's talk about the treatment options you were given.": Shifting the focus to treatment too quickly can invalidate the client's immediate emotional response. Emotional support should take precedence over information processing in the early moments of distress. C. "I'll stay with you for a little while if that's okay.": Offering presence and emotional support communicates compassion and allows the client space to express grief. This response fosters trust and demonstrates empathy without pressuring the client to talk or act. D. "Your provider will take good care of you.": Though intended to reassure, this response deflects the client’s emotional pain and may come off as impersonal or minimizing. It does not address the need for immediate emotional support.