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. "It sounds like you're having a difficult time." B. "Have you talked to your provider about this yet?" C. "Everyone has trouble sleeping at times." D. "Why do you think you are so anxious?"

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Answer: A. "It sounds like you're having a difficult time."

Rationale:

A) "It sounds like you're having a difficult time":

This response is empathetic and acknowledges the client's distress. By validating the client's feelings, the nurse provides support and opens the door for further discussion about their anxiety and related symptoms. This approach can help the client feel understood and encourage them to share more about their experience.

B) "Have you talked to your provider about this yet?":

While it is important for the client to communicate their symptoms to their provider, this response might come across as dismissive of the client's immediate emotional state. It could be more supportive to first acknowledge the client's current experience before suggesting further actions.

C) "Everyone has trouble sleeping at times":

This response may minimize the client's concerns and fail to address their specific experience. It can come off as invalidating by suggesting that their situation is normal and not warranting further exploration or support.

D) "Why do you think you are so anxious?":

Asking why the client feels anxious might be perceived as interrogative rather than supportive. This approach could put pressure on the client to explain their feelings, which might not be productive if they are struggling to articulate their emotions or causes of anxiety.

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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

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