A patient who has been unable to leave his home for more than a month because of symptoms of severe anxiety tells the nurse: "I feel really stupid, a grown man not being able to leave his house.". The most therapeutic reply is:
a. "I don't think it's stupid. You're afraid, it happens.".
b. "Many individuals share this situation with you.".
c. "You feel stupid because you're afraid to leave home?"
d. "I can see how you might feel that way.".
C
Acknowledging the patient's feelings by paraphrasing his comment ("You feel stupid because you're afraid to leave home?") shows that the nurse is listening, validates the nurse's understanding of his concern, and prompts the patient to elaborate further about his feelings. "I don't think it's stupid…" implies that what the patient feels is wrong and he should not feel the way he does; this is a disconfirming (nontherapeutic) statement. Noting that the patient is not alone can reduce isolation if present but does not address the reported feeling. "I can see how you might feel that way" in effect reinforces the patient's negative self-appraisal and is also nontherapeutic.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for an incontinent male patient who has a deep decubitus ulcer on his sacrum. Which intervention will best manage the patient's urinary incontinence and facilitate healing of the ulcer?
a. Use of disposable absorbable incontinence briefs b. Daily application of perineal barrier cream containing zinc oxide c. Careful perineal care and application of a condom catheter d. Insertion of a single-lumen straight urinary catheter
Which finding would indicate the need to evaluate the client for oral cancer?
1. Gingivitis 2. Presence of dental caries 3. Velvety red patch on inner cheek 4. White, curd like patches on the mucous membranes
Which type of documentation system allows the nurse the quickest access to all information about the patient?
a. narrative c. problem-oriented b. source-oriented d. point of care
The term nit is used to describe:
a. the scabies organism. b. the scab that remains after a louse bite. c. louse eggs. d. a small fly that carries malaria.