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Difficulty: MediumTherapeutic Communication

A pediatric client is admitted with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client's parent is visibly distressed, clenching their hands, and says to the practical nurse, "We have no family history of this. I cooked healthy meals every single day. I failed my child." Which response by the practical nurse is most therapeutic?

  1. You are feeling responsible for the diagnosis despite providing a healthy lifestyle.Answer
  2. B
    You should focus your energy on learning about insulin rather than dwelling on the past.
  3. C
    Do not be so hard on yourself; diabetes is a very manageable condition nowadays.
  4. D
    Why do you think that preparing healthy meals would have prevented an autoimmune disease?

Answer

The response that reflects the parent's feelings of responsibility and guilt.
The correct answer utilizes reflection and empathy, which validates the parent's feelings of guilt and encourages further exploration of their emotions without judgment or minimizing their distress.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the parent's statement.
The parent is expressing significant guilt and taking direct responsibility for the child's new diagnosis.
Understanding the core emotion helps determine what type of support the parent needs at this moment.
2
Evaluate the communication techniques used in each option.
Identify which response uses a therapeutic technique (e.g., reflection, empathy) versus non-therapeutic communication blocks (e.g., giving advice, false reassurance, asking 'why').
The correct response must align with validated therapeutic communication principles.
3
Select the best response.
The response reflecting the parent's feelings of responsibility directly addresses their stated concerns.
Reflection validates the parent's distress and promotes a trusting nurse-client relationship.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication
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Topics

Therapeutic Communication

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