A nurse finds that a client has infiltration around the IV access and that the device needs to be removed. What explanation should the nurse give to reduce the client's anxiety?

Question

A) "The infiltration is causing you pain and you will be very relieved when I remove the IV line."
B) "You should relax and take deep breaths; the procedure is very minor and will be over soon."
C) "I know that you are anxious, but removal will be painless and the IV location needs to be changed."
D) "It will be a painless procedure and there is nothing to worry about; many clients do fine with this."

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
The nurse uses therapeutic communication by both acknowledging the client's anxiety and giving honest information that another IV line needs to be started. Telling the client that infiltration is causing pain that would be relieved when the IV line is removed does not address the client's anxiety and does not inform the client about restarting another IV line. Also, the nurse telling the client to take deep breaths, or saying that the procedure is very minor and will be over soon, does not consider the client's anxiety. Finally, telling the client that many clients experience this is generalizing to the client and is not appropriate.