A nurse is interacting with a client who is expressing her feelings about her child’s insensitive behavior. Which statement made by the nurse indicates the nurse is empathizing with the client?

Choose the best answer.

Florence Nightingale was a pioneer in the field of nursing and is considered the founder of modern nursing. She recognized the importance of a clean environment in promoting health and preventing disease transmission. Nightingale's work during the Crimean War in the 1850s led to significant improvements in sanitation and hygiene in hospitals. She emphasized the need for clean water, fresh air, and proper disposal of waste to reduce the spread of infection.

Nightingale's approach to nursing included the promotion of health and the prevention of illness through environmental measures, such as maintaining a clean and well-ventilated environment. Therefore, the act of developing a clean environment is a factor in providing effective health care as demonstrated by Florence Nightingale.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves acknowledging and validating the other person's emotions and experiences. In this scenario, the nurse should demonstrate empathy towards the client who is expressing her feelings about her child's insensitive behavior.

Option a is dismissive and minimizes the client's concerns. It does not show empathy or understanding of the client's situation.

Option b might sound sympathetic, but it could also come across as pitying, which may not be helpful or supportive for the client. It also does not reflect an understanding of the client's feelings.

Option d is judgmental and critical, and it could make the client feel defensive and unsupported.

Option c is the best response as it shows empathy and validates the client's emotions. It acknowledges the client's difficulty and demonstrates the nurse's understanding and support for the client's situation.