A nurse on the mental health unit is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and comes to the nurse's station at 0300 demanding to see the provider. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to acknowledge the partner's concern and empathize with their feelings. By stating, "It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain," the nurse acknowledges the partner's emotions and shows understanding and empathy. This response validates the partner's feelings and demonstrates support and compassion.

B- "We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable" may be a true statement, but it does not directly address the partner's expressed wish to do something to help. It may not fully address the emotional aspect of the partner's statement.

C- "I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too" is a genuine response that expresses empathy. It acknowledges the partner's desire to help and implies that the nurse shares the same sentiment. This response shows understanding and support.

D- "I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon" dismisses the partner's concern and does not address their expressed wish to alleviate their wife's pain. It may not fully acknowledge the partner's emotions or provide the support they need in that moment.

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.