At the first meeting of a group at a daycare center for older adults, the nurse asks one of the members what kinds of things the client would like to do with the group. The older adult shrugs and says, "You tell me. You're the leader." What would be the best response for the nurse to make?

Choice A reason: This response is factual but does not promote engagement or address the client’s passive stance. It emphasizes the nurse’s role without encouraging participation or collaboration from the older adult. Choice B reason: This statement makes an assumption about the client’s feelings, labeling them as “angry,” which may not be accurate. It risks creating defensiveness and does not foster open communication or trust within the group. Choice C reason: This response inappropriately offers group leadership to a member without assessing readiness or interest. It minimizes the therapeutic structure of the group and could confuse roles, making the group less effective. Choice D reason: This option balances the acknowledgment of the nurse’s leadership role with an invitation for the client to share personal goals. It encourages involvement, respects autonomy, and helps build a therapeutic alliance by showing interest in what the older adult wants to accomplish.