A patient cries as the nurse explores the patient's feelings about the death of a close friend. The patient sobs, "I shouldn't be crying like this. It happened a long time ago." Which responses by the nurse facilitate communication?
Select all that apply.
a. "Why do you think you are so upset?"
b. "I can see that you feel sad about this situation."
c. "The loss of a close friend is very painful for you."
d. "Crying is a way of expressing the hurt you are experiencing."
e. "Let's talk about something else because this subject is upsetting you."
ANS: B, C, D
Reflecting ("I can see that you feel sad," "This is very painful for you") and giving information ("Crying is a way of expressing hurt") are therapeutic techniques. "Why" questions often imply criticism or seem intrusive or judgmental. They are difficult to answer. Changing the subject is a barrier to communication.
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