Family members awaiting the outcome of a suicide atempt are tearful. Which response by the Practical Nurse (PN) is therapeutic to the family at this time? * Select one answer

Choice A reason: "There is no reason to worry. This surgeon has an excellent reputation.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also shows authority, which is a communication barrier that involves using one’s position or status to influence or persuade the other person. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound patronizing or condescending. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you have mixed feelings about the surgery. Can you tell me more about how you feel?” is the best nursing response. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "The benefits outweigh the risks. You can be confident that the surgery should be done.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows persuasion, which is a communication technique that involves using logic or evidence to convince or influence the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound coercive or manipulative. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: "You are bound to feel much beter once it is all over with.” is not the best nursing response. This response shows cliché, which is a communication technique that involves using overused or trite expressions that lack meaning or sincerity. It also shows avoidance, which is a communication barrier that involves shifting the focus away from the other person’s feelings or situation. It does not address the client’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the wound is healing well. Approximated wound edges mean that the edges are close together and aligned.

Choice B reason: This is correct because it shows that the wound is infected. Yellow, purulent drainage means that the wound has pus, which is a sign of inflammation and bacterial growth.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the wound is healing well. Pink granulation tissue means that the wound has new blood vessels and connective tissue, which fill the wound space and promote healing.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the wound is stable. Sutures in place mean that the wound has been closed with stitches, which hold the edges together and prevent bleeding.