A client with cirrhosis is on the transplant list and is now admitted for end-stage liver failure. The spouse breaks down crying, stating "I just can't cope any more. I already have to do every thing at home and for the kids, now if he/she dies, I just don't know what I will do!" The best response by the nurse is
A) "I see you are upset. I will come back in 10 minutes and we can talk."
B) "I'm sure they will find a donor before it is too late."
C) "We do a lot of transplants here and our outcomes are very good."
D) "What has helped you handle all the family responsibilities so far?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because this client has been admitted for end-stage liver failure, without a transplant, he/she will die. The spouse needs support to deal with this crisis. Providing support and knowledge are two key responsibilities pre-transplant. The best response by the nurse is to try to help the spouse utilize support systems he/she may already have in place but is too upset to recall. Options b and c offer false hope and are dismissive of the spouse's feelings. Option a is a great response when a client is acting out and you need to set some limits on behavior, but is not appropriate here.

A Client with Cirrhosis Is on the Transplant List and Is