A prostitute infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe complications is being cared for on a medical unit. The nurse is seeking to develop a therapeutic relationship with the client

Question

Which of the following statements best reflects the nurse's attempt to support the client's self-exploration? a. "What type of support do you feel you need?"
b. "Don't be embarrassed by your former occupation."
c. "On what type of schedule do you think you could realistically eat your meals without being nauseated?"
d. "The people who work here are professionals and will try not to judge your past actions."

Answer 1

A

Feedback
A Encouraging the client's self-exploration is achieved by accepting the client's thoughts and feelings, by helping the client to clarify interactions with others, and by being empathetic.
B Telling the client not to be embarrassed does not encourage self-exploration. It also assumes that the client is embarrassed, which may not be the case.
C The statement, "On what type of schedule do you think you could realistically eat your meals without being nauseated?", involves the client in a decision-making process related to the client's care but does not support the client's self-exploration. Self-exploration expands self-awareness.
D The statement, "The people who work here are professionals and will try not to judge your past actions," is not therapeutic. Telling the client that staff will try not to judge the client's past implies that judgement is due and does not encourage open communication and self-exploration.