A 10-year-old boy repeatedly complains of an upset stomach and has missed several days of school.

All labs and x-rays relevant to his abdominal discomfort have been normal.

What disorder might this boy have?

Choice A rationale
The nurse’s response of asking the client, “How do you feel about being discharged?” is the most therapeutic. This open-ended question encourages the client to express their feelings and concerns about being discharged. It allows the nurse to assess the client’s readiness for discharge and to provide appropriate education or referrals if needed. It also demonstrates empathy and respect for the client’s feelings, which are key components of a therapeutic relationship.
Choice B rationale
Telling the client, “I will send you a note in a few weeks,” is not the best response. While it may seem like a kind gesture, it could potentially blur the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. Nurses must maintain professional boundaries with clients to ensure that the focus remains on the client’s needs and not the personal feelings or needs of the nurse.
Choice C rationale
Saying, “I know you will do well living out in the community,” is an assumption and does not invite the client to share their feelings or concerns. It’s important for the nurse to encourage the client to express their feelings about discharge and to provide support and education based on the client’s individual needs.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client, “Aren’t you excited about being discharged today?” is a closed-ended question that assumes the client is excited about discharge. This type of question does not encourage the client to share their feelings or concerns. It’s important for the nurse to use open-ended questions to encourage the client to express their feelings about discharge.

Choice A rationale
Sympathy refers to the ability to understand what a person is feeling. However, it doesn’t necessarily involve sharing in a client’s life.
Choice B rationale
Trust is an essential component of a therapeutic relationship, but it doesn’t specifically define the ability to share in a client’s life.
Choice C rationale
Mutuality might suggest a reciprocal relationship, but it doesn’t specifically refer to the ability to share in a client’s life.
Choice D rationale
Empathy in nursing is the ability to see, understand, and share your patient’s feelings and views on a more personal level and without being judgmental. This makes it the most fitting answer as it involves sharing in a client’s life.