A nurse observes a client's spouse sitting alone in the waiting room crying. When approached, the spouse says, "I am really concerned about my husband. Which of the following is a therapeutic nursing response?

A. Clients who are involuntarily admitted to a mental health unit retain their rights, including the right to informed consent. This means they must be informed about their treatment, including medications, procedures, and potential risks, and they have the right to accept or refuse treatment, unless a court order states otherwise.

B.Involuntary admission does not automatically mean forced treatment. Clients can refuse medications, unless they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, in which case a court order may be obtained to administer medication.

C.Restraint laws apply equally to all clients, regardless of admission status. Restraints must always be used as a last resort and require a provider’s order, regular assessments, and documentation.

D.Involuntary hospitalization has legal time limits, and court review is required for extended hospitalization. The length of stay varies based on state laws and judicial rulings.

A. "Tell me what is concerning you."

This response is the most therapeutic option. It invites the spouse to share their concerns and feelings, showing empathy and active listening. It opens the door for effective communication and understanding the spouse's perspective.

B. "Your husband is making really good progress."

While this response provides information about the husband's progress, it doesn't directly address the spouse's concerns or feelings. The spouse's emotional state needs to be acknowledged and explored before discussing the husband's progress.

C. "Did your husband say something to upset you?"

This response makes an assumption that the husband said something to upset the spouse. It might come across as accusatory or dismissive of the spouse's feelings. It's important to give the spouse the opportunity to express their emotions in their own words.

D. "Crying helps us let things out and we feel better."

This response offers a general statement about crying, but it doesn't directly address the spouse's concerns or invite further conversation. While it's true that crying can be cathartic, the focus here should be on understanding the spouse's specific worries.