A nurse is providing care for a client who experienced an extensive myocardial infarction (MI). The client exhibits behavior characteristic of the denial stage of the grieving process. What is the priority action by the nurse?
1) Explain to the client the need to accept the diagnosis.
2) Reinforce and support the client's denial.
3) Let the client know that the nurse is available to talk.
4) Identify other clients who had an MI and are doing well.
