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Question

Difficulty: MediumTherapeutic Communication

A practical nurse is caring for a client who underwent a traumatic below-the-knee amputation two days ago. While the nurse is preparing to change the surgical dressing, the client turns away and states, "I cannot even bear to look at my leg. Everything I planned for my life is completely ruined." Which response by the practical nurse is most therapeutic?

  1. A
    Try to focus on the positive fact that you survived the accident; the situation could have been much worse.
  2. B
    There are excellent prosthetic devices available today that will help you return to your normal routine.
  3. You feel that this amputation has devastated all the plans you had for your future.Answer
  4. D
    What makes you think your life is ruined when so many people learn to adapt to this type of injury?

Answer

The most therapeutic response is to reflect and restate the client's feelings, acknowledging that the amputation has made them feel their future plans are devastated.
The correct response utilizes the therapeutic technique of reflection and restatement. By acknowledging and mirroring the client's expressed despair without attempting to immediately fix the situation, the nurse validates the client's feelings and provides a safe, non-judgmental space for further exploration of their grief and altered body image.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement and emotional state.
The client is expressing profound grief, despair, and an inability to cope with the altered body image caused by the recent amputation.
Understanding the core emotion is necessary to select a response that validates the client rather than minimizing their pain.
2
Evaluate the provided options for therapeutic communication techniques.
One option uses reflection, while the others use communication blocks such as false reassurance, minimizing, or challenging the client.
The PN must avoid non-therapeutic blocks that shut down communication and instead choose an open, empathetic approach.
3
Select the option that utilizes reflection and active listening.
The option that restates the client's feelings about their devastated plans is identified as the correct therapeutic response.
Reflection validates the client's current emotional state and encourages them to continue expressing their feelings without judgment.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication Techniques: Reflection and Validation
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Topics

Therapeutic Communication

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