A client has been on dialysis for 6 weeks. The family is complaining that instead of feeling grateful at this second chance at life, the client has become irritable with them and seems depressed. The most helpful response by the nurse would be
A) "Depression is very common at this time; it is hard to adapt to the losses s/he feels."
B) "I am surprised that your loved one doesn't feel happier about being alive."
C) "This must be very hard on you for your loved one to be so unappreciative."
D) "We can arrange a psychiatric consultation if you think it will help."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients are often happy and grateful as they start dialysis and begin to feel well for the first time in a long time. But as the time goes by and the implication of the permanent change to their lives becomes apparent, it is common for them to have psychosocial difficulties, including depression. In fact, the suicide rate for dialysis clients is estimated to be 100 times that of the general public. The other three options not only do not give helpful information about what is happening but also are poor examples of therapeutic communication.

A Client Has Been on Dialysis for 6 Weeks