A nurse is instructing the spouse of a client who suffered a stroke about the use of eating devices the client will be using. During the teaching, the spouse starts to cry and states, “One minute they are laughing, and the next they’re crying; I just don’t understand what’s wrong with them.” Which statement is the best response by the nurse?
“You sound stressed; maybe using some stress management techniques will help.”“You sound stressed; maybe using some stress management techniques will help.”
“Emotional lability is common after a stroke, and it usually improves with time.”“Emotional lability is common after a stroke, and it usually improves with time.”
“You seem upset, and it may be hard for you to focus on the teaching, I’ll come back later.”“You seem upset, and it may be hard for you to focus on the teaching, I’ll come back later.”
“This behavior is common in clients with stroke. Which does your spouse do more often? Laugh or cry?”“This behavior is common in clients with stroke. Which does your spouse do more often? Laugh or cry?”