Which therapeutic communication technique is most appropriate when a client mentions they feel misunderstood by their family?
State that it is normal to feel that way and proceed with standard assessment tasks
Request that the client elaborate after the assessment is completed
Provide advice based on the nurse's own experience
Validate their feelings by acknowledging their statement empathetically
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Stating that a feeling is "normal" can be perceived as belittling or dismissive of the client's unique emotional pain. This is a non-therapeutic technique called "false reassurance" or "minimizing." It effectively closes the door on further emotional disclosure and prioritizes tasks over the human connection required for holistic nursing.
Choice B reason: Requesting that the client wait until the assessment is over to speak about their feelings suggests that the nurse views the client's emotional state as an inconvenience or an interruption. This can damage rapport and may result in the client being less willing to share important psychosocial information later in the interview.
Choice C reason: Providing personal advice shifts the focus of the interaction from the client to the nurse. Therapeutic communication should always be patient-centered. Giving advice also assumes that the nurse knows what is best for the client, which undermines the client's autonomy and their own ability to problem-solve within their family dynamic.
Choice D reason: Validation is a powerful therapeutic tool that acknowledges the client's reality without necessarily agreeing with the family's actions. By using empathy, the nurse builds a bridge of trust. This technique encourages the client to continue sharing, which may reveal important details about their support system and mental health status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Edema is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces, which typically results in skin that is tight, shiny, and may exhibit pitting when pressed. Tenting is the opposite of this, as it involves a lack of fluid that prevents the skin from rebounding.
Choice B reason: Skin infections, such as cellulitis, usually present with localized erythema, warmth, swelling, and tenderness. While severe systemic infections can lead to fluid loss and subsequent dehydration, tenting itself is a specific sign of fluid volume deficit rather than a diagnostic indicator of a primary infectious process.
Choice C reason: When hydration is optimal, skin turgor is brisk, meaning the skin immediately returns to its original flat position after being pinched. Tenting indicates a loss of skin turgor and poor elasticity, which is a clear clinical sign that the patient's current hydration status is not optimal.
Choice D reason: Tenting occurs when the skin is pinched and remains elevated or returns slowly to its original position. This is a classic clinical manifestation of fluid volume deficit or dehydration, as the lack of interstitial fluid reduces the tension and elasticity required for the skin to snap back quickly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Keratinocytes are the primary cell type found in the epidermis, comprising about 90% of the epidermal population. Their main function is the production of keratin, a fibrous protein that provides structural integrity and a waterproof barrier to the skin. They do not synthesize the pigments responsible for skin color.
Choice B reason: Langerhans cells are dendritic cells that originate in the bone marrow and migrate to the stratum spinosum of the epidermis. They function as part of the immune system by acting as antigen-presenting cells. They are essential for identifying foreign pathogens but have no role in pigmentation.
Choice C reason: Merkel cells are specialized epithelial cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis, where they are closely associated with sensory nerve endings. They function as mechanoreceptors for light touch. They are involved in neuroendocrine signaling and tactile sensation rather than the production of skin pigment.
Choice D reason: Melanocytes are specialized cells located in the stratum basale that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melanin is packaged into melanosomes and transferred to nearby keratinocytes. This pigment serves a vital physiological role by absorbing and scattering harmful ultraviolet radiation to protect cellular DNA.
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