A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me." Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?

A. The nurse has expert knowledge of diabetes and formulates appropriate learning outcomes for the client.
While expert knowledge is important, it is not sufficient on its own for building a mutually respectful relationship. Mutuality involves collaboration, where the client’s needs and preferences are taken into account in the care process.

B. The nurse teaches diabetes management by involving the client in making decisions about self-care.
This approach fosters mutuality by recognizing the client’s role in their own health management. It empowers the client to take an active role in their care, which is essential for building a collaborative and effective nurse-client relationship. This approach supports the client’s autonomy and respects their expertise about their own life.

C. The nurse controls the relationship by retaining the power to make judgments about diabetes education.
Controlling the relationship and making judgments undermines mutuality. Effective nurse-client relationships are based on partnership and shared decision-making rather than unilateral decision-making.

D. The nurse demonstrates trust and respect by solving problems for the client when issues occur with self-management.
While problem-solving is part of care, true mutuality involves the client being an active participant in their care decisions rather than just having problems solved for them. Empowering the client and involving them in decision-making processes are key elements of mutuality.

A. Being silent is not always the best approach; effective communication involves active listening and constructive responses.

B. Understanding that anger can stem from frustration or fear helps in addressing the underlying issues.

C. While feeling uncomfortable is common, the goal is to manage the situation professionally, not to accept discomfort as a constant.

D. Considering a colleague’s point of view is important for effective conflict resolution and communication.