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Difficulty: MediumMental Health Concepts

A client who recently underwent a below-the-knee amputation is found looking silently at the surgical site. When the practical nurse (PN) enters the room, the client states, "I am half a person now. I have no idea how I will ever go back to my job." Which response by the PN is the most therapeutic?

  1. It sounds like you are very concerned about your future and your ability to return to work.Answer
  2. B
    Try not to worry too much; everything will get better once you receive your new prosthesis.
  3. C
    Why do you feel that your employer will not allow you to continue working?
  4. D
    You are experiencing the depression stage of grief, which is a normal hurdle to get through.

Answer

The most therapeutic response is the one that reflects the client's feelings and validates their concerns regarding their future and employment.
The correct response utilizes the therapeutic technique of reflection. By restating the client's primary concerns (the future and their job) without judgment, the nurse validates the client's feelings of loss and opens the door for further therapeutic dialogue.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement and nonverbal behavior.
The client is expressing feelings of altered body image and significant anxiety about future employment following an amputation.
Understanding the underlying emotion and primary concern is necessary to select a therapeutic and validating response.
2
Evaluate the communication options based on therapeutic communication principles.
The statement reflecting the client's concern validates their feelings, whereas the others use communication blocks like false reassurance, probing 'why' questions, or minimizing.
Therapeutic communication requires active listening, validation, and encouraging the client to express their feelings without judgment.
3
Select the most appropriate nursing response.
The reflective statement about being concerned for the future is identified as the correct therapeutic action.
It keeps the focus on the client's expressed emotions and encourages further dialogue.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication and Active Listening
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Topics

Mental Health Concepts

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