A nurse tells a client who is struggling with cancer pain, "It is normal to feel frustrated about the discomfort."

Question

Which of the following is most representative of the skills associated with the working phase of the helping relationship? 1. Respect
2. Genuineness
3. Confronting
4. Concreteness

Answer 1

1. Respect

Rationale:
Respect is correct because the nurse is validating the client's feeling. It is not genuineness because the nurse is giving information versus making a personal statement. Rather than being confrontational by pointing out discrepancies between thoughts, feelings, and actions that inhibit the client's self-understanding or exploration of specific areas, the nurse is being supportive by respecting the client's feelings. Concreteness involves assisting the client by giving specific examples rather than speaking in generalities.