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Question

Difficulty: MediumTherapeutic Communication

A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is tearful in her room. The client states, "I am a terrible mother. I cannot even produce enough milk to feed my own baby." Which of the following responses by the nurse are therapeutic? Select all that apply.

  1. I will just sit here with you for a while.Answer
  2. B
    You should focus on the positive fact that you have a beautiful, healthy infant.
  3. C
    Why do you believe that your milk supply defines your worth as a parent?
  4. You are feeling inadequate because feeding your baby is not going as you had planned.Answer
  5. E
    If I were in your position, I would start bottle-feeding immediately to reduce this stress.
  6. Tell me more about what being a good mother means to you.Answer

Answer

The therapeutic responses are offering to sit with the client, reflecting her feelings of inadequacy, and encouraging her to explore what being a good mother means.
The correct responses utilize established therapeutic communication techniques. Offering to sit with the client provides a supportive, non-demanding presence. Reflecting the client's feelings of inadequacy validates her emotional experience without judgment. Asking the client to tell more about her definition of a good mother uses the technique of exploration, encouraging her to process her thoughts and feelings out loud.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify her emotional state and core concern.
The client is experiencing guilt, feelings of inadequacy, and distress over her inability to breastfeed.
Understanding the emotion is necessary to select a response that validates rather than minimizes her feelings.
2
Evaluate each nursing response for therapeutic communication principles.
Identify statements that use active listening, reflection, exploration, and offering self.
Therapeutic communication aims to facilitate emotional expression and empower the client.
3
Identify and eliminate non-therapeutic barriers in the remaining options.
Eliminate options that offer false reassurance, give unwanted advice, minimize feelings, or ask confrontational 'why' questions.
These communication blocks close off the conversation and invalidate the client.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication Techniques
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Topics

Therapeutic Communication

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