In working with a patient who is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, the nurse provides feedback to the patient on her progress in learning the treatment regimen. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication?

Question

a. "I believe that you have come a long way in learning how to manage your care."
b. "It didn't look as if you were ever going to be able to get the injection technique right."
c. "You really need to be checking your blood sugar more often unless you want to come back here to the hospital."
d. "You don't appear to have any interest in your dietary intake."

Answer 1

A

Feedback
A The nurse is demonstrating the use of therapeutic communication by sharing hope. The nurse is pointing out that personal growth can come from illness experiences.
B "It didn't look as if you were ever going to be able to get the injection technique right" is a negative statement. The nurse should not state observations that might embarrass or anger the patient.
C "You really need to be checking your blood sugar more often unless you want to come back here to the hospital" is a response that does not demonstrate the use of therapeutic communication. It implies disapproval and is an aggressive, threatening type of response.
D "You don't appear to have any interest in your dietary intake" is not a therapeutic statement; it is negative and aggressive in nature. Even if it is a true observation, it is one the nurse should not state, as it could anger or embarrass the patient.