A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?

"It might help you feel better if you talk about it."

“Why are you feeling so down?"

“I just sit here with you for a few minutes then."

"I understand. I've felt like that before, too."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The appropriate response for the nurse in this situation would be: "I'll just sit here with you for a few minutes then."
This response acknowledges the client's expressed desire not to talk and respects their boundaries. It shows support and presence by offering companionship without pressuring the client to discuss their feelings. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client demonstrates empathy and provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.
The other options are not as appropriate:

1.   "It might help you feel better if you talk about it." This response disregards the client's stated preference not to talk and may create a sense of pressure or intrusiveness. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and readiness to share their feelings.
2.   "Why are you feeling so down?" This response directly asks the client to explain their feelings, which they have already indicated they do not want to discuss. It can be seen as intrusive and may make the client feel uncomfortable or defensive.
3.   "I understand. I've felt like that before, too." While empathy is important, this response brings the focus back to the nurse's own experiences, potentially diverting the attention from the client. It is important for the nurse to remain focused on the client's needs and create a supportive environment for them to express their feelings if they choose to do so.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The priority action in this situation is to set behavioral limits for the client. This is important for maintaining a safe environment for the client, other staff members, and other clients. By setting limits, the nurse establishes clear boundaries and expectations for behavior, helping to prevent the escalation of aggression or violence.
Let's examine why the other choices are incorrect:

A. Exploring the truth of the client's statements: While it is important to listen to and validate the client's concerns, in this particular situation, where the client is becoming agitated and confrontational, addressing the truth of their statements is not the priority. The immediate concern is ensuring safety and de-escalating the situation.

B. Establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship: Developing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for providing effective care, but it may not be the immediate priority when a client is displaying aggressive or violent behavior. Safety takes precedence in such situations, and setting behavioral limits is necessary before establishing a therapeutic relationship can effectively occur.

D. Showing the client around the unit and introducing her to other clients: This action is inappropriate during an agitated and confrontational episode. It is important to first
address the client's behavior and ensure the safety of all individuals involved before engaging in social activities or introductions.

A. "Don't worry. We'll take good care of your father while you are gone." B. "Perhaps you could stay here and just call your family to see how they are doing." C. "There's nothing you can do here. You should go home to your family." D. "You are feeling drawn in two different directions."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The response "You are feeling drawn in two different directions" acknowledges the daughter's conflicting feelings and validates her emotions. It demonstrates empathy and understanding of her situation. It can help the daughter feel heard and supported and opens up an opportunity for further conversation about her concerns and possible solutions.

The other options are less appropriate:

A- "Don't worry. We'll take good care of your father while you are gone." While this response reassures the daughter about her father's care, it does not address her emotional conflict or provide support for her own needs and concerns.

B- "Perhaps you could stay here and just call your family to see how they are doing." This response minimizes the daughter's situation and does not fully acknowledge her need to be with her own family. It may overlook the emotional strain and responsibilities she may have outside of the hospital.

C-"There's nothing you can do here. You should go home to your family." This response dismisses the daughter's feelings and implies that her presence is not necessary or valuable. It does not consider her desire to support her father or the importance of maintaining a connection with him during his hospitalization.

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A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting in the admission process for a client who has a history of violent behavior. The client stands up and begins clenching her fists and arguing with the nurse. Which of the following actions is the priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for an older adult client admitted to the hospital following a cerebrovascular accident. The client's daughter tells the nurse, "I wish I could stay with my father, but I need to go home to my family." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?