Therapeutic Comm Q 15
After fasting from 10 p.m. the previous evening, a client finds out that the blood test has been canceled. The client swears at the nurse and states, “You are incompetent!” Which is the nurse’s best response?
A. "Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?"
B. "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me."
C. "Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?"
D. "I'll give you some space. Let me know if you need anything."
Correct Answer: B. “I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me.”
This is an example of the appropriate use of feedback. Feedback should be directed toward behavior that the client has the capacity to modify. The nurse should seek to offer a relationship in which the client can identify problems in living with others, grow emotionally, and improve the ability to form satisfactory relationships.
Option A: These types of questions force the client to try to recognize his problems. The client’s acknowledgment that he doesn’t know these things may meet the nurse’s needs but is not helpful for the client.
Option C: Interpreting refers to making conscious that which is unconscious to the client. The client’s thoughts and feelings are his own, not to be interpreted by the nurse or for hidden meaning. Only the client can identify or confirm the presence of feelings.
Option D: Sanctioning the client’s behavior is nontherapeutic. This gives the client the impression that he is “right” because of agreement with the nurse. Opinions and conclusions should be exclusively to the clients.