A client's spouse becomes anxious and demonstrates hostility toward the nurse. The best response by the nurse is to
a. recognize the spouse feels a sense of control.
b. view the hostility as a personal attack.
c. become stoic and refrain from listening to the spouse.
d. respond empathetically to contributory themes and feelings.
ANS: D
What a hostile anxious client or family needs most at that moment—despite their behavior—is understanding, comforting, and human caring. The nurse should listen, ask, and respond empathetically to contributory themes and feelings. Anger and hostility are the most common stress emotions associated with feeling helpless or psychologically threatened. Recognizing hostility as a cry for help in coping with escalating stress makes it easier to respond empathetically. Most outbursts have little to do with the nurse personally other than that the nurse is available, is the one most involved with the care of the loved one, and is least likely to retaliate.
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