Question

Which nursing intervention would be most beneficial in preparing the client psychologically for a diagnosis of HIV? A. Include the family in the teaching. B. Encourage the client to express his emotions. C. Give a thorough explanation of the illness and prognosis. D. Ask the client what he knows about acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Short answer

A. Include the family in the teaching. B. Encourage the client to express his emotions. C. Give a thorough explanation of the illness and prognosis. D. Ask the client what he knows about acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Answer: B. Encourage the client to express his emotions.

Step-by-step solution

Review the options

Start by reading and understanding each of the provided options. Consider the potential psychological impact each option may have on the client. Option A: Include the family in the teaching. This option focuses on providing support and understanding for the client and their family. It can be helpful, but may not directly address the client's emotional well-being. Option B: Encourage the client to express his emotions. This option offers an opportunity for the client to openly discuss and process their feelings about their diagnosis. Expressing emotions is an important aspect of coping with a difficult situation. Option C: Give a thorough explanation of the illness and prognosis. This option emphasizes providing the client with detailed information about their condition. While information is important, it may not directly help the client with their psychological wellbeing. Option D: Ask the client what he knows about acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This option focuses on understanding the client's current knowledge and potentially addressing any misconceptions or misinformation. It can be a helpful starting point, but may not directly address their emotions.

Compare the options

Having analyzed each option, we can now compare and contrast them to determine which would have the most significant impact on the client's psychological well-being. Option A may offer some support, but does not directly address the client's emotions or psychological state. Option B emphasizes the importance of emotional expression, which is crucial for coping with a challenging diagnosis. Option C provides information about the illness, but does not focus on emotional support or understanding. Option D engages the client in a conversation about their existing knowledge, which can help address misconceptions, but may not offer direct emotional support.

Choose the best option

Of the four options, Option B (Encourage the client to express his emotions) focuses most directly on the client's psychological preparation for their HIV diagnosis. Emotional expression and support can help the client cope with their diagnosis and better prepare them for any challenges they may face in the future. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Encourage the client to express his emotions.