What should the nurse do with linens that have been soiled by a client with hepatitis?

Choice A reason: “I can see you are worried.” is a therapeutic response by the PN to the family at this time. This response shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It also acknowledges and validates the family’s emotions, and invites them to express their concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice B reason: “Don’t worry, you have nothing to feel guilty about.” is not a therapeutic response by the PN to the family at this time. This response shows false reassurance, which is a communication technique that involves minimizing or dismissing the other person’s feelings or situation. It also implies that the family should feel guilty, and denies them the opportunity to explore their feelings or thoughts. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: “Everything possible is being done.” is not a therapeutic response by the PN to the family at this time. This response shows cliché, which is a communication technique that involves using overused or trite expressions that lack meaning or sincerity. It also avoids addressing the family’s emotions or needs, and may sound vague or insincere. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Let me check if you can see your loved one.” is not a therapeutic response by the PN to the family at this time. This response shows changing the subject, which is a communication technique that involves shifting the focus away from the other person’s feelings or situation. It also ignores or postpones the family’s emotional needs, and may make them feel unimportant or dismissed. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason: "Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows generalization, which is a communication technique that involves using statements that apply to most people in similar situations. It also shows lecturing, which is a communication barrier that involves giving unsolicited advice or information to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel stereotyped, judged, or patronized, and may discourage further communication. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: "You sound frustrated in dealing with your wife’s drinking problem.” is the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows active listening, which is a communication skill that involves hearing, understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and nonverbal messages. It also shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It acknowledges and validates the client’s husband’s emotions, and invites him to express his concerns or fears. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: "I think you are a good person to stay here with your wife.” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows praise, which is a communication technique that involves giving positive feedback or recognition to the other person. It also shows assumption, which is a communication barrier that involves making judgments or guesses about what the other person thinks or feels. It may make the client’s husband feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or pressured, and may not address his underlying feelings or needs. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: “Have you discussed this subject at the support group meetings?” is not the best response to the client’s husband. This response shows closed-ended questioning, which is a communication technique that involves asking questions that require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. It also shows probing, which is a communication barrier that involves asking too many or inappropriate questions to the other person. It may make the client’s husband feel defensive, invaded, or resentful, and may violate his privacy or confidentiality. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.