Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardTherapeutic Communication

At an oncology clinic, a client with newly diagnosed stage IV pancreatic cancer is sitting with arms crossed, staring at the floor. The client suddenly looks up and states, 'My spouse keeps planning our vacation for next year like nothing is happening. I feel completely invisible when those plans are mentioned.' Which response by the nurse represents the most effective application of therapeutic communication?

  1. Hearing about those future plans leaves you feeling unheard in this moment.Answer
  2. B
    Your spouse is likely struggling with this diagnosis as well and trying to maintain hope.
  3. C
    You should sit down together and explain how difficult it is to talk about next year.
  4. D
    Are you worried that your health might decline before the vacation happens?

Answer

The most effective therapeutic response is to state, 'Hearing about those future plans leaves you feeling unheard in this moment.'
The correct answer utilizes the therapeutic technique of reflection (or restatement). By mirroring the client's emotional experience (feeling 'invisible' translated to 'unheard'), the nurse validates the client's distress and creates a safe space for the client to elaborate on their feelings. It remains entirely focused on the client without introducing outside judgments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify the core emotional message.
The client is expressing profound feelings of isolation and being 'invisible' due to the spouse's avoidance of the terminal reality.
Understanding the underlying emotion is necessary to select an empathetic, validating response.
2
Evaluate the nurse's options against established therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
Defending the spouse, giving advice, and asking closed-ended, presumptive questions are identified as non-therapeutic barriers.
Eliminating communication blocks ensures the chosen response maintains a client-centered approach.
3
Select the option that utilizes a valid therapeutic technique.
The response that reflects the client's feelings of being 'unheard' acts as a mirror, encouraging further exploration.
Reflection demonstrates empathy, validates the client's emotional state, and keeps the conversation focused on the client's immediate needs.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication
Rate this question

Topics

Therapeutic Communication

More questions from this topic