A patient tells the nurse about having an affair that has been kept secret from the spouse for many years. The patient is feeling remorseful. What should the nurse's response be to this patient?
A) "What your spouse doesn't know won't hurt her. Try to forget about it.".
B) "I can't help you with that, but how about we work together on your breathing exercises?"
C) "Confession is good for the soul. Why don't you tell your spouse and get it off your chest.".
D) "Everyone makes mistakes. Your feelings of remorse show how much you care for your spouse.".
D
Feedback:
The nurse must be interested and open, providing the patient a safe place to unload his burden. The nurse should encourage with a nonjudgmental attitude, not attempt to change the subject. Aside from suggesting other sources of help, the nurse should not advocate any particular decision or course of action, but instead leave the patient free to make his own decisions. Changing the patient's focus to one of breathing exercises does not address the patient's needs at this time.
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