Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardTherapeutic Communication

A young adult client is recovering on the inpatient rehabilitation unit following a traumatic bilateral lower extremity amputation. When the physical therapist arrives for a scheduled session, the client turns toward the wall, pulls the blanket over their head, and states, 'Just leave me to rot. What is the point of doing this? I will never be whole again.' Which of the following responses by the practical nurse are therapeutic? Select all that apply.

  1. You feel that because your body has changed so drastically, there is no reason to keep trying.Answer
  2. I will sit here with you for a while, even if you do not want to participate in the session today.Answer
  3. C
    I know exactly how difficult this transition is, but many clients learn to adapt to these changes over time.
  4. D
    Can you explain what makes you feel like you are never going to be whole again?
  5. E
    It is completely normal to feel this way, but avoiding your exercises will only prolong your hospitalization.

Answer

The correct therapeutic responses are to reflect the client's feelings of hopelessness and to offer self by sitting in silence with the client.
The correct therapeutic responses prioritize the client's immediate emotional needs through validation and presence. Reflecting the client's statement ('You feel that because your body has changed...') validates their profound sense of loss without judging it. Offering self ('I will sit here with you...') demonstrates unconditional support and acceptance of the client's current emotional state, conveying that the nurse is emotionally present for them even if they refuse to engage in physical tasks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement and behavior.
The client is exhibiting severe grief, hopelessness, and emotional withdrawal following a life-altering physical trauma.
Understanding the client's acute emotional state is required to select an appropriate and supportive therapeutic response.
2
Evaluate the options to identify therapeutic communication techniques.
Reflecting the client's feelings and offering self without placing demands are identified as therapeutic.
These techniques validate the client's despair and demonstrate unconditional positive regard without forcing premature action or cognitive justification.
3
Identify non-therapeutic communication blocks in the remaining options.
The incorrect options contain false reassurance, probing for explanations, minimizing feelings, and giving unsolicited advice.
Communication blocks invalidate the client's emotional experience, increase defensiveness, and hinder the development of a trusting nurse-client relationship.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication
Rate this question

Topics

Therapeutic Communication

More questions from this topic