What nursing action is appropriate for a client in the identity vs. role confusion stage?

For a client in the identity vs. role confusion stage, the most appropriate nursing action is to encourage the client to participate actively in the treatment plan. This stage, as described by Erik Erikson, typically occurs during adolescence and is characterized by exploration of self-identity and decisions regarding personal values, beliefs, and roles in society.

Encouraging active participation in the treatment plan empowers the client, promoting autonomy and self-discovery. This action helps clients to better understand their own health, make informed choices, and develop a sense of ownership over their health journey, which can contribute positively to their identity formation. When a client is involved in their treatment planning, they can explore their preferences and values, which is crucial for their emotional and social development during this stage.

The other options, while beneficial in their own contexts, do not directly address the primary developmental task of forming a personal identity. For example, providing information about the treatment plan (the first choice) may not foster the same level of engagement or personal insight that active participation would. Similarly, promoting social participation or involving family members can be important strategies, but they don't specifically facilitate the client's exploration of their own identity in the same manner as active involvement in decisions regarding their own health care does.