The LPN/VN is caring for a client diagnosed with terminal cancer. The client has recently expressed feelings of death anxiety, stating, "I'm scared of what will happen to me when I die, and I can't stop thinking about it." Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to best support the client's psychologic needs?
A. Suggest the client write their thoughts in a journal to process their fears privately.
B. Recommend the client refocuses their energy on positive thoughts instead.
C. Administer benzodiazepines to reduce anxious thoughts.
D. Encourage the client to participate in a support group with others facing similar challenges.
Answer (1)
The best intervention for a client expressing death anxiety is encouraging participation in a support group, which helps them connect with others facing similar fears. Other interventions, like journaling, offer some benefits but lack the communal support essential for emotional coping. Medications may reduce anxiety but do not address the root psychological needs effectively. ;
