A client is angry about not being permitted to smoke and throws the br

A client is angry about not being permitted to smoke and throws the breakfast tray at the nurse. What should the nurse do in response to this outburst?

1. Call the charge nurse and refuse to take care of this client until he is under control.
2. Apologize to the client for the unit rules, but tell him the rules must be followed.
3. Tell the client that it is understandable that he is upset, but the no-smoking rule is not negotiable.
4. Tell the client that he is acting like a child and that such behavior will not be tolerated.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: The nurse cannot refuse to care for the client once the assignment has been accepted, as this may constitute client abandonment.
Rationale 2: The nurse should not assume responsibility for the anger by apologizing.
Rationale 3: Telling the client that it is understandable that he is upset serves to show that the nurse accepts his right to be angry, but that the anger is the client’s.
Rationale 4: Admonishing the client by saying that he is acting like a child is not professional and will most likely serve to destroy any hope of resolving this issue.