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Difficulty: MediumMental Health Concepts

A client receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder states to the practical nurse, "I should have died in that accident instead of my friend. I do not deserve to be here." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

  1. It sounds like you are carrying a heavy burden of guilt about the accident.Answer
  2. B
    Why do you feel responsible when you were not the one driving the vehicle?
  3. C
    You need to focus on the fact that you survived and have a lot to live for.
  4. D
    These intense feelings are normal, and they will completely go away as time passes.

Answer

The most therapeutic response is to state, "It sounds like you are carrying a heavy burden of guilt about the accident."
The correct answer utilizes reflection, which is a highly therapeutic communication technique. By restating the core emotion (guilt) heard in the client's message, the nurse validates the client's feelings and creates a safe, non-judgmental space for the client to elaborate on their survivor's guilt. This approach builds trust and encourages the therapeutic relationship.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify the core emotion being expressed.
The client is expressing deep survivor's guilt and feelings of worthlessness related to the trauma.
Understanding the underlying emotion is essential to selecting a therapeutic response that addresses the client's immediate psychological needs.
2
Evaluate the nursing options against established therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques.
Three options utilize communication blocks (probing, giving advice, and false reassurance), while one option uses reflection.
The PN must avoid non-therapeutic blocks that shut down communication and instead use techniques that encourage the client to explore their feelings.
3
Select the response that demonstrates empathy and encourages further dialogue.
The reflective statement acknowledging the client's guilt is chosen as the most therapeutic action.
Reflection shows the client they are heard and accepted, fostering trust and a safe environment for emotional processing.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication Techniques in Psychiatric Nursing
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Mental Health Concepts

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