The client is talking to the nurse about recent health problems of immediate family members and the strain she has been under trying to care for them. She begins to cry between sentences. What response by the nurse demonstrates the most empathy?
A) "I know how you feel. I was the primary caregiver for my father when he was dying."
B) "It's okay to cry. Sometimes that helps us to feel better."
C) "Just take your time. I am listening."
D) "It is difficult when family members are ill. It helps if you take some time for yourself."
Ans: C
Feedback:
This response allows the client to collect her thoughts while also expressing emotion, and it lets the client know the nurse is there for her. Using appropriate periods of silence rather than "talking away" the client's feelings is empathetic. "I know how you feel" does not focus on the client's feelings. Stating "It's okay to cry" or "Take some time for yourself" are statements that indicate the need for the client to seek approval in order to experience her own feelings.
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