A patient says, "You are the worst nurse I have ever had." Which response by the nurse is most assertive?
a. "I think you've had a hard day."
b. "I feel uncomfortable hearing that statement."
c. "I don't think you should say things like that. It is not right."
d. "I have been checking on you regularly. How can you say that?"
ANS: B
Assertive responses contain "I" messages such as "I want," "I need," "I think," or "I feel." While all of these start with "I," the only one that is the most assertive is "I feel uncomfortable hearing that statement." An assertive nurse communicates self-assurance; communicates feelings; takes responsibility for choices; and is respectful of others' feelings, ideas, and choices. "I think you've had a hard day" is not addressing the problem. Arguing ("How can you say that?") is not assertive or therapeutic. Showing disapproval (using words like right) is not assertive or therapeutic.
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