A nurse is caring for a client who reports a state of increasing anxiety and the inability to sleep and concentrate. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
"It sounds like you're having a difficult time."
"Have you talked to your provider about this yet?"
"Everyone has trouble sleeping at times."
"Why do you think you are so anxious?"
The Correct Answer is A
Answer: A. "It sounds like you're having a difficult time."
Rationale:
A) "It sounds like you're having a difficult time":
This response is empathetic and acknowledges the client's distress. By validating the client's feelings, the nurse provides support and opens the door for further discussion about their anxiety and related symptoms. This approach can help the client feel understood and encourage them to share more about their experience.
B) "Have you talked to your provider about this yet?":
While it is important for the client to communicate their symptoms to their provider, this response might come across as dismissive of the client's immediate emotional state. It could be more supportive to first acknowledge the client's current experience before suggesting further actions.
C) "Everyone has trouble sleeping at times":
This response may minimize the client's concerns and fail to address their specific experience. It can come off as invalidating by suggesting that their situation is normal and not warranting further exploration or support.
D) "Why do you think you are so anxious?":
Asking why the client feels anxious might be perceived as interrogative rather than supportive. This approach could put pressure on the client to explain their feelings, which might not be productive if they are struggling to articulate their emotions or causes of anxiety.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"Be direct and honest when communicating with the client." Being direct and honest with the client about the situation is essential to build trust and promote open communication. Protecting client confidentiality and privacy is crucial for client safety and well-being. If the client feels comfortable in a safe and non-threatening environment, then they are more likely to open up and discuss their situation. Displaying disapproval or probing the client can make the situation worse and result in the client withdrawing further. Inviting a family member to be present during the nursing history is not appropriate given the sensitive and personal nature of the discussion.
Option A: "Display disapproval toward the perpetrator" - Not appropriate for the clinical setting
Option B: "Probe the client to offer a factual account of the abuse" May make the client withdraw more, not appropriate for the clinical setting
Option D: "Invite a family member to be present for the nursing history" - Not appropriate for the sensitive nature of the discussion Each of the other options is not appropriate given the sensitive nature of the conversation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should acknowledge and validate the client's feelings by saying, "It's okay to feel afraid. Let's talk about what you are afraid of." This response demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express their concerns and feelings.
Choice B, "Your doctor is a great surgeon. You will be fine," dismisses the client's feelings and may increase their anxiety.
Choice C, "Don't worry. The important thing is you have now quit smoking," minimizes the seriousness of the procedure and the client's potential risks.
Choice D, "I understand your fears. I was a smoker also," shifts the focus from the client to the nurse and is not an effective way to provide emotional support for the client.
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