Question

Difficulty: MediumTherapeutic Communication

A nurse is providing care for a young adult client recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The client stares out the window and states, "My own body is destroying itself. I do not see how I will ever be able to have a normal life again." Which of the following responses by the nurse are therapeutic? (Select all that apply)

  1. You are worried about how this condition will change your day-to-day life.Answer
  2. Tell me more about what a normal life looks like to you.Answer
  3. C
    With modern treatments, there is no reason you cannot live exactly as you did before.
  4. D
    What makes you focus on the negative aspects of your illness?
  5. E
    You should concentrate on reducing your daily stress to help prevent symptom flare-ups.

Answer

The therapeutic responses are reflecting the client's worry about daily life changes and exploring the client's definition of a normal life.
Therapeutic communication focuses on the client's current emotional state without judgment or premature problem-solving. Reflecting the client's concerns validates their feelings, while exploring their perspective encourages an open, trusting dialogue.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify the underlying emotional state.
The client is expressing fear, loss of control, and grief over their future due to the chronic illness diagnosis.
Understanding the emotion is necessary to choose a response that validates rather than dismisses feelings.
2
Evaluate each option against recognized therapeutic communication techniques.
Reflecting feelings and using open-ended statements to explore meaning are validated therapeutic techniques. False reassurance, giving advice, and demanding explanations are communication blocks.
Therapeutic communication should facilitate client expression and demonstrate empathy without prematurely solving problems.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication Techniques and Blocks
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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