A nurse in a hospital is caring for a client who has agoraphobia.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the goals of treatment?

Choice A rationale:

Focuses on the nurse's feelings rather than the client's needs. This response may make the client feel guilty or defensive, and it does not address the underlying cause of their anger or frustration.

Shuts down communication. Saying "That's a hurtful thing to say" can signal to the client that the nurse is not open to hearing their concerns, which can hinder the development of trust and rapport.

Fails to acknowledge the client's pain. The client is in a vulnerable position, experiencing both physical and emotional pain. This response does not recognize the validity of their experience, which can further alienate them.

Choice B rationale:

Invites the client to share their perspective. By saying "Tell me more about that," the nurse demonstrates a willingness to listen and understand the client's concerns. This can help to build trust and rapport, and it can provide valuable insights into the client's experience.

Promotes exploration of feelings. Allowing the client to express their feelings can help them to process their emotions and to feel more understood. This can lead to a greater sense of control and empowerment, which can be beneficial for their overall coping and healing.

Gathers information to tailor care. By listening to the client's concerns, the nurse can gain a better understanding of their specific needs and preferences. This information can then be used to adjust the plan of care to better meet the client's individual needs.

Choice C rationale:

Dismisses the client's feelings. Saying "Well, that's your opinion" minimizes the client's experience and sends the message that their feelings are not important. This can damage the therapeutic relationship and make the client feel even more isolated and unsupported.

Fails to address the underlying issue. This response does not attempt to explore the reasons for the client's anger or frustration, which means that the problem is likely to continue.

Choice D rationale:

Sounds accusatory and confrontational. Asking "Why would you say such a thing?" can put the client on the defensive and make them feel like they have to justify their feelings. This can hinder open communication and make it more difficult to address the root of the problem.

May make the client feel judged or criticized. This response can come across as judgmental and uncaring, which can further alienate the client and damage the therapeutic relationship.

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive and judgmental. It implies that the client's partner was wrong to share the news, and it does not acknowledge the client's feelings. This could make the client feel even more isolated and unsupported.

It's important to remember that the client is likely experiencing a range of emotions, including shock, sadness, anger, and anxiety. The nurse's role is to provide support and validation, not to judge the client's feelings or the actions of their partner.

Choice B rationale:

This response demonstrates empathy and understanding. It acknowledges the client's feelings and invites them to share more about their experience. This can help the client to feel heard and supported.

By verbalizing the client's feelings, the nurse is helping them to process the news and begin to cope with the situation. This can be a valuable first step in helping the client to develop a plan for moving forward.

Choice C rationale:

This response is dismissive and unhelpful. It does not acknowledge the client's feelings, and it offers no support or guidance. This could make the client feel even more hopeless and helpless.

While it may be true that there is not much the client can do about the situation immediately, the nurse can still offer support and help the client to explore their options.

Choice D rationale:

This response is premature and potentially unrealistic. The client may not be ready to contact their boss yet, and there is no guarantee that their job will be available to them. This could set the client up for disappointment and further distress.

It's important to allow the client to process the news and consider their options before taking any action. The nurse can help the client to identify potential resources and supports, and to develop a plan that is right for them.