A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is admitted with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. During a bath, the client begins to cry and says that most friends and relatives have stopped visiting and calling. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Listen and show interest as the client expresses feelings. It is essential for the nurse to actively listen and show empathy towards the client's emotional distress. This approach demonstrates compassion, understanding, and support for the client during a vulnerable moment, which is crucial for the therapeutic relationship. By actively listening, the nurse can validate the client's emotions and provide a safe space for them to express their feelings. This can help the client feel heard and supported, leading to improved emotional well-being.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Continuing with the bath and telling the client not to worry dismisses the client's emotions and fails to address their underlying feelings of loneliness and isolation.
B: Asking for a psychiatric consultation may not be necessary at this point, as the client's emotional distress can be effectively managed through therapeutic communication.
D: Stating that the friends' behavior shows they aren't true friends is judgmental and unhelpful, as it does not address