What should the nurse do if a client expresses severe distress about their child’s death?

Encouraging the client to talk about their feelings is vital for several reasons in the context of grief and loss. Open communication allows the individual to process their emotions, which is a crucial step in coping with a traumatic experience like the death of a child. When a client expresses severe distress, acknowledging their pain and creating a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings can lead to emotional relief and validation of their experience.

Talking about feelings helps the client to articulate their grief, facilitating a deeper understanding of what they are going through. This process not only helps in expressing sorrow and loss but also allows the person to connect with their emotions, which is essential for healing. Active listening and encouraging such dialogue can foster trust between the client and the nurse, creating a supportive environment where the individual feels heard and understood.

In contrast, suggesting the client move on or changing the subject could dismiss their feelings and create a sense of isolation or invalidation. Similarly, while recommending a support group can be beneficial, it might not address the immediate need to express and process their emotions in the moment of distress. Hence, fostering open dialogue about their feelings is the most compassionate and appropriate response in this scenario.