A school-age client has just been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. The client is very angry about the new disease. Which of the following statements is most appropriate for the nurse counselor working with this client?
1. "Try not to be angry. You are receiving the best care possible."
2. "You appear upset about the diagnosis. Let's talk about your feelings."
3. "You learn quickly and will probably handle the difficult treatments very well."
4. "It is all right to be angry with your friends, but try not be angry with your par-ents."
ANS: 2
Stating that the client appears to be upset and then suggesting a discussion clarifies the meaning of verbal and nonverbal communication. This response also demonstrates acceptance of the cli-ent's thoughts and feelings and encourages open communication. Telling the client to try not to be angry and that he is receiving the best care possible is not therapeutic. It does not address the client's feelings of anger and conveys a message that feeling angry is not acceptable. Saying that the client is a quick learner and will probably handle the treatment well is not therapeutic. It does not encourage the client to communicate his or her feelings. Explaining that it is all right to be angry with friends but to try to not be so with parents is not therapeutic. It is not addressing the cause of the anger but is putting limits on how the anger may be expressed.
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