A client has a terminal illness and is discussing future treatments wi

A client has a terminal illness and is discussing future treatments with the nurse. The nurse notes that he has not been eating and his response to the nurse’s information is, “What does it matter?”

The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client is:
1. Denial
2. Hopelessness
3. Social isolation
4. Spiritual distress

ANSWER

ANS: 2
A defining characteristic for the nursing diagnosis of hopelessness may include the client stating, “What does it matter?” when offered choices or information concerning themselves. Also, the client’s behavior of not eating is an indicator of hopelessness. The client’s behavior and verbali-zation do not indicate denial. This is not an example of social isolation. The client is not avoiding or restricted from seeing others. Spiritual distress is not the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client. The focus needs to be on the client’s lack of hope.