A patient cries as the nurse explores the patient's relationship with a deceased parent. The patient says, “I shouldn't be crying like this, it happened a long time ago.” Which responses by the nurse will facilitate communication? Select all that apply.
Select one or more:
“I can see that you feel sad about this situation.”
"Don't be sad, everyone has to pass for something like this in the life.”
I felt very sad when my mother died, it was horrible!
"Let's talk about something else. this subject is upsetting you, don't worry about this."
“The loss of your parent should be very painful for you."
Correct Answer : A,E
a. “I can see that you feel sad about this situation”.
e. “The loss of your parent should be very painful for you.”
These responses by the nurse show empathy and validate the patient’s feelings. They also encourage the patient to continue expressing their emotions and facilitate communication.
Option b. “Don’t be sad, everyone has to pass for something like this in the life” is not a helpful response
because it minimizes the patient’s feelings and may make them feel like their emotions are not valid.
Option c. “I felt very sad when my mother died, it was horrible!” is not a helpful response because it shifts the focus of the conversation away from the patient and onto the nurse’s personal experience.
Option d. “Let’s talk about something else. this subject is upsetting you, don’t worry about this” is not a helpful response because it dismisses the patient’s emotions and may make them feel like they are not allowed to express their feelings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by instability in mood, behaviour, and self-image. Patients with borderline personality disorder are at a high risk of self-harm, suicide, and impulsive behaviours. Therefore, the nurse's priority assessment should be to identify any suicidal or homicidal ideations, as these can be life-threatening emergencies. Once identified, appropriate interventions should be initiated, such as suicide precautions, crisis management, and referral to mental health professionals for further evaluation and treatment.
While sleep patern changes, impulsive behaviours, and support systems are also important aspects to assess in patients with borderline personality disorder, they are not the priority when compared to suicidal or homicidal ideations.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This technique is known as reflective listening or active listening, and it involves paraphrasing what the patient has said to show that the nurse is actively listening and trying to understand the patient's feelings and thoughts. It demonstrates empathy and helps to build trust between the nurse and patient.
Option b is not effective because giving advice and opinion can convey a lack of interest in the patient's feelings and thoughts.
Option c is not ideal because it is a closed-ended question that may limit the patient's response.
Option d may also seem insincere and may not reflect a genuine interest in the patient's concerns.

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