Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardTherapeutic Communication

A practical nurse is caring for a postpartum client whose newborn was recently transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to respiratory distress. The client begins crying and states, "I should have done something differently during my pregnancy. This is all my fault that my baby is sick." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?

  1. It sounds like you are experiencing a heavy sense of guilt regarding your baby's condition.Answer
  2. B
    Your baby is receiving excellent medical care in the NICU, so you should try to focus on resting.
  3. C
    Why do you believe that your actions during pregnancy caused your baby's respiratory distress?
  4. D
    It is very common for mothers to feel responsible when their newborns are ill, but you did nothing wrong.

Answer

The most therapeutic response is to reflect the client's feelings by stating, 'It sounds like you are experiencing a heavy sense of guilt regarding your baby's condition.'
The correct response utilizes the therapeutic communication technique of reflection. By restating the underlying emotion (guilt) heard in the client's message, the nurse validates the client's feelings and provides a safe, non-judgmental space for the client to continue sharing her concerns.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement and emotional state.
The client is expressing self-blame, guilt, and emotional distress over the newborn's admission to the NICU.
Understanding the core emotion is necessary to select a response that addresses the client's immediate psychological needs.
2
Evaluate each option for therapeutic versus non-therapeutic communication techniques.
Options providing advice, asking 'why', or offering general reassurances are identified as communication blocks. The option that reflects the client's feelings is identified as therapeutic.
Therapeutic communication should remain client-centered, non-judgmental, and encourage the expression of feelings.
3
Select the response that best facilitates further communication.
The reflective statement is chosen as the most therapeutic response.
Reflection validates the client's emotional experience and leaves the door open for the client to elaborate on her feelings of guilt.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication: Reflection and Validation
Rate this question

Topics

Therapeutic Communication

More questions from this topic