A nurse is caring for an older adult client diagnosed with a cerebrovascular accident who has right-sided paralysis and aphasia. The client's son tells the nurse it is his fault because he did not insist that his mother live with him. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the son's feelings of responsibility but does not offer comfort or factual reassurance about the nature of cerebrovascular accidents. It's important for the nurse to provide support and correct any misconceptions the family may have about the condition and its causes. Choice B reason: While this response attempts to reassure the son, it dismisses his concerns and fails to acknowledge the seriousness of the mother's condition. It's crucial for the nurse to validate the family's feelings and provide realistic information about the patient's health status. Choice C reason: This is the most appropriate response because it addresses the son's feelings without assigning blame. It also opens the door for further discussion about stroke, its causes, and the son's feelings, which can be therapeutic. Strokes are often caused by factors beyond anyone's control, such as age, medical history, and genetics, rather than someone's actions or inactions. Choice D reason: This response confronts the son's self-blame but may come across as dismissive. It's better to approach such feelings with empathy and provide information that can help the family member understand that strokes can occur unexpectedly and are not typically preventable on a personal level.