The nurse is communicating with a client who is experiencing a crisis related to marital difficulties. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is the best example of therapeutic communication when working with this client?
a. "I think we should work toward fixing your marital difficulties immediately."
b. "I'm going to call the counselor and make an appointment for you."
c. "What would happen if you chose to go for counseling compared to seeking a divorce?"
d. "I think you and your spouse need to go for counseling as soon as possible."
ANS: C
Clients in crisis generally feel powerless. Nurses can introduce alternative methods that the client may not have considered. Helping a client examine the consequences of proposed solutions and breaking tasks down into small, achievable parts empowers clients. Proposed solutions should accommodate both the problem and client resources. It's helpful to assist clients in discussing the consequences, costs, and benefits of choosing of one action versus another (e.g., "What would happen if you chose this course of action as compared to…?" or "What is the worst that could happen if you decided to…?"). The locus of control for decision making should always remain with the client to whatever extent is possible. Making autonomous choices encourages clients to become invested in the solution-finding process and hopeful about finding a resolution to a crisis situation.
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