A nurse is preparing to administer aspirin 650 mg PO every 12 hours. The amount available is aspirin 325 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies.

(Do not use a trailing zero) 

Choice A rationale
“I can see this is very difficult for you.”. This response is appropriate as it acknowledges the client’s emotions and provides validation. It demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express their feelings, which is essential in therapeutic communication.
Choice B rationale
“Please don’t cry, it’s not good for you.”. This response is inappropriate as it dismisses the client’s emotions and may make them feel invalidated. Crying is a natural response to emotional distress, and the nurse should support the client in expressing their feelings.
Choice C rationale
“Why are you crying?” This response is also inappropriate as it may come across as judgmental or dismissive. It does not provide the support and empathy the client needs during a difficult moment.
Choice D rationale
“Let’s move on to a different topic to distract you.”. This response is not appropriate as it avoids addressing the client’s emotions and may make the client feel that their feelings are not important. The nurse should focus on supporting the client through their emotional experience.

Choice A rationale
Sitting quietly and engaging the client can be supportive, but it may not be sufficient to establish rapport. While presence is important, it lacks the active engagement and therapeutic techniques needed to build a connection.
Choice B rationale
Using open-ended questions starting with “I want time to think and reflect” is not appropriate in this context. Open-ended questions are useful, but the phrasing here is not conducive to therapeutic communication and may confuse the client.
Choice C rationale
Using therapeutic communication techniques is the correct approach. These techniques include active listening, empathy, and validation, which are essential for building rapport and trust with the client. They help the client feel understood and supported.
Choice D rationale
Offering tissues and a comforting presence is supportive but not sufficient on its own. While it shows empathy, it does not actively engage the client in a therapeutic manner to establish rapport.