A nurse identifies that a client is using denial as a coping mechanism after a serious diagnosis. How should the nurse initially respond?

When a client uses DENIAL after a serious diagnosis, the nurse should RECOGNIZE that denial can be a TEMPORARY, PROTECTIVE coping mechanism that allows the client to gradually adjust to overwhelming news; provide SUPPORT, maintain a trusting relationship, and AVOID forcing premature acceptance. NCLEX-PN psychosocial/coping. Forcefully confronting or shaming the client can increase anxiety and damage trust. The nurse provides honest information when the client is ready, answers questions truthfully, and allows the client to process at their own pace — while monitoring that denial isn't preventing necessary care/treatment. Understanding defense mechanisms like denial and responding supportively (not confrontationally) is a tested psychosocial concept.