A nurse is caring for a client whose wife died in a recent mass casualty accident. The client says, "I can't believe that my wife is gone and I am left to raise my children all by myself." How should the nurse respond?
a. "Please accept my sympathies for your loss."
b. "I can call the hospital chaplain if you wish."
c. "You sound anxious about being a single parent."
d. "At least your children still have you in their lives."
ANS: C
Therapeutic communication includes active listening and honesty. This statement demonstrates that the nurse recognizes the client's distress and has provided an opening for discussion. Extending sympathy and offering to call the chaplain do not give the client the opportunity to discuss feelings. Stating that the children still have one parent discounts the client's feelings and situation.
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