Subjective data provided by the client included complaints of intermitent chest pain upon exertion. When performing a complete physical examination, the nurse might use an organized approach such as which of the following? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: “I hear frustration or perhaps anger in your voice. Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. 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 incorrect.

Choice B reason: “It sounds as though you are nervous about going home, but the wound care nurse who will see you also uses excellent technique I am sure your wound will continue to heal.” is a non-therapeutic response, not a therapeutic one. 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 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 vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: “Do you have any concerns about what will happen after discharge that you would like to talk about?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows open-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. It also shows support, which is a communication technique that involves providing emotional or practical assistance to the client, and helping them cope with their situation or problem. It encourages the client to share their thoughts and feelings, and shows that the nurse is interested, supportive, and empathetic. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Many people who have been in the hospital for an extended period have mixed feelings about going home. Can you tell me how you are feeling about discharge?” is a therapeutic response, not a non-therapeutic one. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows reflection, which is a communication technique that involves restating or paraphrasing what the client has said to show understanding and clarify meaning. It helps the client to feel less alone or isolated, and to explore their own feelings or thoughts. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: "Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows lecturing, which is a communication barrier that involves giving unsolicited advice or information to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel stereotyped, judged, or patronized, and may discourage further communication. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: "You sound frustrated in dealing with your wife’s drinking problem.” is the best response to the client’s husband. 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 husband’s emotions, and invites him to express his concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "I think you are a good person to stay here with your wife.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows praise, which is a communication technique that involves giving positive feedback or recognition to 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 may make the client’s husband feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or pressured, and may not address his underlying feelings or needs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Have you discussed this subject at the support group meetings?” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows probing, which is a communication barrier that involves asking too many or inappropriate questions to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel defensive, invaded, or resentful, and may violate his privacy or confidentiality. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.