Author Question: While communicating with a 10-year-old client who is to undergo major heart surgery the next ... (Read 67 times)

HCHenry · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

While communicating with a 10-year-old client who is to undergo major heart surgery the next morning, the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication by responding to the client's tears with:

1. You shouldn't cry. You are not in pain..
2. It is okay to cry. I know this is scary..
3. I'm going to go get the doctor..
4. Would you like some toys?

Question 2

A nurse is working with a client and establishing a therapeutic relationship. The nurse is aware that a good method of establishing rapport with a client is by conveying empathy with the client.

Which response by the nurse best exemplifies empathy? 1. I know just how you feel..
2. You seem to be frightened by the procedure..
3. I wouldn't be afraid, if I were you..
4. You shouldn't have done it that way..

ilianabrrr · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2. It is okay to cry. I know this is scary..

Rationale:
Assertive communication is appropriate in the group setting, but for this client, the nurse should be accepting of the client's feelings of fear. Telling the client not to cry invalidates the client's feelings. Leaving to get the doctor could be seen by the child as abandonment and would signal that the nurse is uncomfortable with the child. Distraction is not appropriate when the client is clearly upset; instead, the nurse should attempt to seek more information about what the child is feeling.

Answer to Question 2

2. You seem to be frightened by the procedure..

Rationale:
The goal of empathy is to let the client be aware that the nurse understands the client's feelings as well as the words. By stating that the client appears to be frightened, the nurse is demonstrating understanding and is giving the client the opportunity to further define feelings. Telling the client that the nurse knows how the client feels is going to be met with disbelief, and rightly so; one person never knows how another person is feeling unless they tell them. Telling the client not to be afraid is demeaning; rather, the nurse should ascertain the source of fear and then teach. Saying the client should not have done something is passing judgment and inappropriate.