A client who is hospitalized with burns after losing the family home in a fire becomes angry and screams at a nurse when dinner is served late. How should the nurse respond?
a. "Do you need something for pain right now?"
b. "Please stop yelling. I brought dinner as soon as I could."
c. "I suggest that you get control of yourself."
d. "You seem upset. I have time to talk if you'd like."
ANS: D
Clients should be allowed to ventilate their feelings of anger and despair after a catastrophic event. The nurse establishes rapport through active listening and honest communication and by recognizing cues that the client wishes to talk. Asking whether the client is in pain as the first response closes the door to open communication and limits the client's options. Simply telling the client to stop yelling and to gain control does nothing to promote therapeutic communication.
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