A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

"If you feel this way, you should talk to your minister."

"You sound very upset about this."

"Why do you think you are being punished?"

"God always forgives us for our sins."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Referring the patient to a minister avoids the nurse’s responsibility to provide immediate therapeutic support.
B. This response reflects the patient’s feelings and encourages further expression, which is therapeutic in depression.
C. Asking “why” can feel judgmental and place the patient on the defensive, which is non-therapeutic.
D. Giving false reassurance or imposing religious beliefs does not address the patient’s feelings and may shut down communication.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Using silence allows the patient time to process thoughts and feelings, encourages introspection, and can facilitate deeper communication during interviews.

B. While prolonged silence can sometimes make patients uncomfortable, its intentional and therapeutic use is beneficial when appropriately timed.

C. Reflecting or paraphrasing communicates understanding; silence alone does not confirm comprehension.

D. In therapeutic communication, the nurse does not have to immediately fill silence; allowing moments of quiet can be purposeful.

A. I am worried about how much you are crying. Your grief over your husband's death has gone on too long B. "The unexpected death of your husband must be very painful. I am glad you are able to talk to me about your feelings." C. "Are you hearing voices at night?" D. "This loss is harder to accept because of your mental illness. I will refer you to a partial hospitalization program."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This response minimizes her grief and implies pathology; crying after a recent traumatic loss is normal.
B. This response acknowledges the client’s pain, validates her feelings, and encourages continued expression, making it therapeutic.
C. This abruptly changes the subject and ignores her grief, which is the client’s primary concern.
D. This pathologizes normal grief and focuses on her diagnosis instead of providing empathy and support.

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A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which principle should guide the nurse in determining the extent of silence to use during patient interview sessions?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A bystander was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The client's spouse asks the nurse about the possible side effects of the ECT. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

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