A novice nurse is working with a client who is admitted to a medical-surgical unit. The nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with the client by conveying empathy. Which statement by the nurse best exemplifies empathy?

Question

A) "I wouldn't be afraid, if I were you."
B) "You shouldn't have done it that way."
C) "You seem to be frightened by the procedure. Tell me how you are feeling."
D) "I know just how you feel, as my mother has the same illness."

Answer 1

Answer: C

The goal of empathy is to let the client be aware that the nurse understands the client's feelings as well as the words. By stating that the client appears to be frightened and asking the client to describe his or her feelings, the nurse is demonstrating understanding and is giving the client the opportunity to further define feelings. Telling the client that the nurse knows how the client feels is going to be met with disbelief, and rightly so; one individual never knows how another individual is feeling unless that individual tells them. Telling the client not to be afraid is demeaning; rather, the nurse should ascertain the source of fear and then teach. Saying the client should not have done something is passing judgment and inappropriate.