A nurse is caring for a client following major spinal surgery who is reporting pain. The client's partner tells the nurse, "I wish I could do something to make my wife feel better." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

"It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain."

"I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too."

"I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon."

"We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Answer: A

Rationale:

A) "It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain.": This response acknowledges the partner's feelings and provides emotional support. It shows empathy and validates the partner's experience, helping to build rapport and trust between the nurse and the family member.

B) "I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too.": While this response expresses sympathy, it might unintentionally convey a sense of helplessness or inadequacy on the part of the nurse, which could increase the partner's anxiety or frustration.

C) "I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon.": This response is intended to be reassuring, but it can come off as dismissive of the partner's current concern and may not address their immediate emotional needs. It also makes a promise that the nurse cannot guarantee.

D) "We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable.": This response provides factual information about the care being provided, but it does not address the partner's emotional distress. It focuses on the actions of the healthcare team rather than acknowledging the partner's feelings.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse should acknowledge and validate the client's feelings by saying, "It's okay to feel afraid. Let's talk about what you are afraid of." This response demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express their concerns and feelings.

Choice B, "Your doctor is a great surgeon. You will be fine," dismisses the client's feelings and may increase their anxiety.

Choice C, "Don't worry. The important thing is you have now quit smoking," minimizes the seriousness of the procedure and the client's potential risks.

Choice D, "I understand your fears. I was a smoker also," shifts the focus from the client to the nurse and is not an effective way to provide emotional support for the client.

A. "You are probably right. Soiling the bed is a way of getting attention from the nursing staff." B. "Tell me what makes you feel the client is doing this on purpose?" C. "Why don't you spend more time with the client if you think that she is trying to get attention?" D. "Next time this happens, tell me and I'll talk to the client about his behavior."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When an assistive personnel expresses concerns or vents about client behaviors, a therapeutic response is necessary. Asking the AP to explain or to further describe his or her thoughts, feelings, or concerns will allow the AP to reflect on these issues and help clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings. The nurse's response should be nonjudgmental, noncritical, and focused on the AP's perceptions and feelings.

Option A is confrontational and Option C is inappropriate because it suggests that the AP is not spending enough time with the client.

Option D shifts responsibility for managing the client's behavior to the nurse instead of helping the AP reflect on his or her perception of the situation.

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A nurse is caring for a client following major spinal surgery who is reporting pain. The client's partner tells the nurse, "I wish I could do something to make my wife feel better." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is admitted to undergo a left lobectomy to treat lung cancer. The client tells the nurse that she is scared and wishes she had never smoked. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An assistive personnel (AP) says to the nurse, "This client is incontinent of stool three or four times a day. I get angry because I think that the client might be doing it just to get attention." Which of the following responses by the nurse is therapeutic?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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