A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy In 1 hr. The client asks the nurse, "Can I refuse today's treatment?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

This response reflects the therapeutic communication technique of reflection and validation. By acknowledging the client's feelings and reflecting on them back, the nurse shows empathy and encourages further discussion. It allows the client to express their emotions and concerns, fostering a trusting and supportive relationship between the nurse and the client.

incorrect:

A. "You are in really good shape for your age." This response dismisses the client's expressed feelings of despair and does not address the underlying emotions. It fails to acknowledge the client's emotional state and may minimize their concerns.

B. "This is just a minor setback. You will be back on your feet in no time." While the intention may be to provide reassurance, this response invalidates the client's feelings of hopelessness and disregards the significance of their emotional experience. It does not address the client's statement of feeling that their time is up.

C. "The doctors are going to take good care of you. There is nothing to worry about." This response focuses solely on the medical aspect of care and may disregard the client's emotional and existential concerns. It fails to acknowledge the client's expressed feelings of their time being up and does not encourage further exploration of their emotions.

Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this case, the client is attributing the cause of their drug use to their parents not allowing them to get a tattoo. By projecting their desire for a tattoo onto their parents' decision, the client is displacing their own feelings onto an external factor.

Incorrect:

A. Suppression: Suppression involves consciously pushing away or blocking unwanted thoughts, feelings, or impulses. The client's statement does not indicate an attempt to suppress any thoughts or emotions related to their drug use; instead, they are openly discussing the reason for their substance use.

B. Intellectualization: Intellectualization involves using excessive reasoning or logic to avoid acknowledging or experiencing associated emotions. The client's statement does not reflect intellectualization, as they are not overly relying on intellectual processes or attempting to detach themselves from the emotional aspects of their behavior.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a temporary disconnection from thoughts, feelings, or memories to avoid emotional distress. The client's statement does not demonstrate dissociation, as they are connecting their drug use to a specific event and cause.