A client has been on the nursing unit for a few weeks because of complications after surgery, including the need for extensive wound care. During the last dressing change before discharge to home with home health services, the client becomes angry and says, “You don’t have to be so careful. I’m being sent home anyway!” Which response, if made by the nurse WOULD NOT be therapeutic? Select one answer

Choice A reason: "There is no reason to worry. This surgeon has an excellent reputation.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows authority, which is a communication barrier that involves using one’s position or status to influence or persuade the other person. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound patronizing or condescending. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you have mixed feelings about the surgery. Can you tell me more about how you feel?” is the best nursing response. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "The benefits outweigh the risks. You can be confident that the surgery should be done.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows persuasion, which is a communication technique that involves using logic or evidence to convince or influence the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound coercive or manipulative. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: "You are bound to feel much beter once it is all over with.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows cliché, which is a communication technique that involves using overused or trite expressions that lack meaning or sincerity. It also shows avoidance, which is a communication barrier that involves shifting the focus away from the other person’s feelings or situation. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: This is correct because it is an approved nursing diagnosis that describes a lack of cognitive information related to a specific topic.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because it is not an approved nursing diagnosis, but rather a data or assessment finding that describes the condition of the client’s pupils.

Choice C reason: This is correct because it is an approved nursing diagnosis that describes an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Choice D reason: This is correct because it is an approved nursing diagnosis that describes a decrease in oxygenation and/or elimination of carbon dioxide at the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Choice E reason: This is incorrect because it is not an approved nursing diagnosis, but rather a medical diagnosis that describes a malignant neoplasm of any body part.

Choice F reason: This is incorrect because it is not an approved nursing diagnosis, but rather a medical diagnosis that describes a dysfunction of the kidneys.