During a family therapy session led by a nurse, which of the following statements should be recognized as an example of effective communication among a mother, father, and two adolescent siblings?

Choice A rationale:

Judgmental and challenging: Asking "Why did you feel you needed to do that at this time?" implies that the parents' decision may not have been the best one. It puts them on the defensive and could make them feel like they need to justify their actions.

Not empathetic: This response does not acknowledge the parents' feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loss. It focuses on the decision itself rather than on the emotional impact it has had on the family.

Not supportive: The nurse's role is to provide support and understanding, not to the parents' decisions. This response does not offer any emotional support or validation.

Choice B rationale:

Empathetic and validating: This response acknowledges the parents' feelings and shows that the nurse understands how difficult it must have been to cancel their son's baseball registration. It also validates their decision, which can be helpful in coping with difficult situations.

Opens up communication: By expressing empathy, the nurse encourages the parents to share their feelings and experiences. This can help them to process their emotions and feel more supported.

Facilitates understanding: By recognizing the parents' frustration, the nurse can better understand their perspective and provide more tailored support. This can help to strengthen the nurse-client relationship and promote trust.

Choice C rationale:

False hope: While it is possible that the child's condition could improve, it is not realistic to offer false hope to the parents. This response could make it more difficult for them to accept the reality of their child's illness and could lead to disappointment and frustration in the future.

Dismissive of feelings: This response does not acknowledge the parents' current feelings of sadness and loss. It focuses on the future, which can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for parents who are facing a terminal illness.

Choice D rationale:

Irrelevant and insensitive: The dangers of baseball are not relevant to the parents' decision to cancel their son's registration. This response is dismissive of their feelings and does not offer any support or understanding.

Potentially offensive: This response could be interpreted as suggesting that the parents are being overprotective or that they are making a decision based on fear rather than on their child's best interests.

Choice A rationale: Having the client join a therapy group immediately upon admission might not be the most therapeutic action. The client is experiencing panic-level anxiety, which is characterized by a heightened state of arousal and fear. Introducing the client to a group setting at this time could potentially increase their anxiety levels due to the unfamiliar environment and people.

Choice B rationale: Suggesting that the client rest in bed might seem like a good idea, as rest can help reduce stress and anxiety. However, this action alone might not be the most therapeutic for a client experiencing panic-level anxiety. The client might continue to experience high levels of anxiety while alone in their room, and without the presence of a healthcare professional, they might not have the necessary support to manage their anxiety.

Choice C rationale: Remaining with the client for a while is the most therapeutic action at this time. The presence of the nurse can provide a sense of safety and security for the client, which can help reduce their anxiety levels. The nurse can also use this time to assess the client’s anxiety levels, provide reassurance, and implement appropriate interventions to help manage the client’s anxiety.

Choice D rationale: Medicating the client with a sedative might help reduce the client’s anxiety levels, but it should not be the first action taken. Medication should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes non-pharmacological interventions, such as providing a safe and supportive environment, using therapeutic communication, and teaching the client coping strategies.