A nurse is working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts which is disrupting life at home. Which statement by the nurse is most helpful when working with this client?

Option D is the most helpful statement when working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts. It acknowledges that anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at times. Additionally, it provides a positive perspective on anger, suggesting that it can be used constructively to solve problems.

Anger itself is not a negative emotion; it becomes problematic when it is expressed inappropriately or disruptively. By validating the client's feelings and reframing anger as a potential tool for problem-solving, the nurse can help the client explore healthier ways to cope with and express their emotions.

Options A, B, and C are not as helpful in this situation:

A. "You can reduce your anger by hitting a punching bag." - While physical activity can help release pent-up emotions, this statement focuses solely on a physical outlet for anger and does not address the underlying issues causing the frequent angry outbursts.

B. "You need to learn how to be less assertive in your communications." - This statement suggests that the client's assertiveness is the problem, which may not be the case. Instead, the nurse should focus on helping the client develop healthier ways to express their emotions and communicate effectively.

C. "You need to learn to suppress these angry feelings." - Encouraging the suppression of emotions is not a healthy coping mechanism. Suppressing anger can lead to increased stress and may result in more intense outbursts later on. The nurse should help the client learn constructive ways to manage and express their anger.

Explanation: This statement is highly inappropriate and victim-blaming. It implies that the client's clothing choices are somehow responsible for the sexual assault they experienced. Victim-blaming is never acceptable and can be harmful to the survivor, making them feel ashamed and responsible for the actions of the perpetrator. As healthcare professionals, nurses should always respond to victims of sexual assault with empathy, compassion, and without judgment.

The other statements (A, C, and D) are all appropriate and acknowledge the seriousness of the situation:

A. "We need to offer the client emotional support especially when obtaining specimens." Explanation: This statement recognizes the need for emotional support during the examination process, which can be distressing for the survivor. Providing emotional support and ensuring the client's comfort and consent during the examination are crucial aspects of caring for a sexual assault survivor.

C. "The client feels like they won't be believed since there was alcohol involved during the date." Explanation: This statement highlights the survivor's feelings and concerns about being believed due to alcohol involvement. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client, where they can share their experience and receive appropriate care and support.

D. "When the client said 'stop,' that was enough for the perpetrator to get up and walk away." Explanation: This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of consent and acknowledges that the client's clear expression of refusal should have been respected. Understanding and respecting consent is crucial when discussing cases of sexual assault.