The nurse is conducting a sexual history with a patient who is scheduled for cardiac surgery. The patient tells the nurse that he is nervous about resuming sexual activities
Which of the following responses by the nurse indicates that he or she is using therapeutic communication with the patient? a. "You can have sexual intercourse after your surgery, but there are serious risks."
b. "Your partner will be nervous about resuming sexual activities, but that is normal."
c. "Don't worry. In about two months you will be able to return to your normal sexual patterns."
d. "You are expressing a very normal concern; perhaps we could discuss your feelings further."
D
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A The statement, "You can have sexual intercourse after your surgery, but there are serious risks," may only worry the patient more.
B The statement, "Your partner will be nervous about resuming sexual activities, but that is normal," does not focus on the patient and therefore does not encourage the patient to express his concerns.
C Telling the patient not to worry is nontherapeutic. At this point, not even knowing the outcome of the surgery, the nurse should not predict resumption of sexual activity for the patient. Furthermore, this response does not encourage the patient to communicate his feelings.
D Open communication and positive self-esteem are essential factors in effectively resolving concerns.
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