A client tells the nurse, "I think I'm losing my mind." The best response by the nurse is
a. "Tell me what you are experiencing right now."
b. "You should take a nap now; it will help you to feel better."
c. "If you say that you're losing mind, you really will lose your mind."
d. "I don't think you really feel that you are losing your mind."
ANS: A
The nurse should listen carefully and ask gentle, probing questions. A helpful statement can include, "Can you tell me what you are experiencing right now?" This listening response allows the client to put concerns into words. The nurse should allow clients to be in charge of areas and issues that are not at odds with a treatment protocol, and helping clients discover the real causes of their frustration can reduce stress through direct action. Clients experiencing stress should be given the opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts, and worries. Crying, anger, and magical thinking are normal reactions to situations that one cannot control. Acknowledging the legitimacy of feelings as a normal response to an abnormal situation reinforces the client's self-integrity and helps the client put boundaries on their anxiety.
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