A practical nurse (PN) is conversing with the adult child of a client who has just transitioned to the actively dying phase. The adult child, who has been the sole caregiver for the past five years, speaks with a flat affect and states, "I do not feel anything right now. Honestly, I think I am just relieved that this is almost over. Does that make me a terrible person?"
Which of the following responses by the PN is the MOST therapeutic?
- AYou are likely in the initial denial phase of grieving. Once the emotional numbness wears off, the deeper feelings of sadness will begin.
- BYou have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about; you provided excellent care and anyone would feel relieved.
- Feeling relief after such a long caregiving journey is a common response. Can you share more about what this experience has been like for you?Cevap
- DWhy do you believe that feeling relief about your parent's passing makes you a terrible person?
Cevap
The most therapeutic response normalizes the feeling of relief and invites the caregiver to share more about their experience.
The correct response actively validates and normalizes the caregiver's feelings of relief, which is a common but often guilt-inducing emotion following prolonged caregiver burden. By following the validation with an open-ended invitation to share, the nurse facilitates a supportive environment for the caregiver to process their complex emotions without judgment.
Adım Adım Çözüm
Anahtar Kavram
Therapeutic Communication in End of Life Care