A patient becomes angry and verbally abusive when he learns that he needs shoulder surgery. Which of the following is the nurse's best response to this patient?

Question

1. Silently listen to the patient vent his anger.
2. Leave the patient's room immediately.
3. Tell the patient that his verbal abuse is not necessary.
4. Tell the patient that he is free to leave the hospital at any time.

Answer 1

Calmly listen to the patient vent his anger.

Rationale: Many nurses become upset with an angry patient. The best response for the nurse to make is to keep silent and listen to the patient vent his anger. The nurse should not act to reduce her own stress level by leaving the room or telling the patient that his verbal abuse is not necessary. If the verbal rant escalates, the nurse will need to seek assistance to manage the situation. The patient is free to leave the hospital at any time, but this suggestion by the nurse is dismissive of the client and would preclude the ability of the nurse to quietly address the client's underlying concerns.