An 78-year-old woman is on postoperative day 2 following a hip fracture repair on a medical-surgical unit. The LPN/VN notes the client is tearful, with flat affect, and oriented to person only. The client states, "I've been so lonely since my husband died last year. I don't have anyone to call, and honestly, I wonder if it's even worth going on." When asked about her wishes for care, the client says, "In my family we don't usually talk about these private things with strangers, but I'll tell you what I believe." What is the LPN/VN's priority action?
- Tell her that things will get better soon and encourage her to focus on her recovery.
- Acknowledge her feelings, ask her to say more, and immediately report the statement to the RN.
- Document the statement in the chart and reassess her mood again at the end of the shift.
- Assume her family prefers to make decisions for her since she mentioned family privacy norms.