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Question

Difficulty: EasyTherapeutic Communication

A client who is scheduled for surgery the next morning tells the nurse, "I am really terrified of being put to sleep. What if I do not wake up?" Which of the following is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?

  1. It sounds like you are very concerned about the anesthesia. Tell me more about what you are feeling.Answer
  2. B
    There is no need to worry. The anesthesiologist is excellent and performs these procedures every day.
  3. C
    Why are you so afraid of not waking up from the surgery?
  4. D
    Try to get some rest now; you will feel much better once the surgery is over.

Answer

The most therapeutic response is to reflect the client's feelings and invite them to share more, such as stating, 'It sounds like you are very concerned about the anesthesia. Tell me more about what you are feeling.'
The correct answer utilizes reflection ('It sounds like you are very concerned') and an open-ended prompt ('Tell me more'). This validates the client's fear and keeps the lines of communication open, which is the primary goal of therapeutic communication.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify the core emotion and need.
The client is expressing severe anxiety ('terrified') regarding anesthesia and the fear of death ('not wake up').
Understanding the client's affective state is necessary to choose a response that directly addresses their emotional needs.
2
Evaluate each nursing response for therapeutic communication principles.
Identify responses that validate feelings and encourage dialogue versus those that block communication (false reassurance, asking 'why', giving advice).
Therapeutic communication facilitates a trusting nurse-client relationship and allows the client to process their emotions safely.
3
Select the response that best applies therapeutic techniques.
The response that reflects the client's concern and uses an open-ended statement ('Tell me more...') is the only therapeutic option.
It acknowledges the fear without minimizing it and gives the client control over the conversation.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication Principles
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Topics

Therapeutic Communication

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