A 73-year-old client shares with the nurse that she feels so useless,

A 73-year-old client shares with the nurse that she feels so useless, especially now that arthritis makes her life-long hobby of hand sewing so painful as to make it almost impossible.

Which of the following nursing responses is most therapeutic given the client’s current poor self-esteem image?
1. “What is it about sewing that makes it so enjoyable for you?”
2. “I’m sure your sewing is beautiful; have you ever considered teaching others to sew?”
3. “Maybe you can find something else that will give you as much satisfaction about yourself.”
4. “We can attempt to find the proper pain management plan to minimize the dis-comfort so you can sew again.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Researchers have reported a sharp decline in self-esteem around age 70. Based on Erikson’s stages of development, a decline in self-concept at this advanced age reflects a diminished need for self-promotion and a shift in self-concept to a more modest and balanced view of the self. The nurse is acknowledging the client’s talent as well as providing a possible alternate avenue to improve self-esteem. The remaining options all deal with the issue but either do not provide guidance or may propose unrealistic alternatives.