A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving chemotherapy and radiation for advanced breast cancer. The client states, “I am thinking about stopping the treatments.” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A.
“I would feel the same way if I were you.”
B.
“Tell me more about what you are thinking.”
C.
“Why do you think that would be a good choice?”
D.
“You’ll be cancer-free after you complete your treatments.”
The most appropriate response from the nurse is:
B. “Tell me more about what you are thinking.”
Explanation:
- B. “Tell me more about what you are thinking.”: This response is open-ended and encourages the client to express their thoughts and feelings. It demonstrates active listening and provides the client with the opportunity to explore their emotions and concerns, which is important in supporting patient autonomy and providing holistic care.
- A. “I would feel the same way if I were you.”: This response is not appropriate because it assumes how the nurse would feel in a similar situation, which may not be helpful or supportive to the client. It can also unintentionally minimize the client’s feelings by projecting the nurse’s own emotions.
- C. “Why do you think that would be a good choice?”: This response could come across as judgmental or confrontational. It might make the client feel defensive, which could hinder open communication.
- D. “You’ll be cancer-free after you complete your treatments.”: This response is overly optimistic and does not take into account the client’s individual circumstances, concerns, or the reality of their diagnosis. It may also give false hope or fail to acknowledge the client’s current feelings.
The correct approach is to encourage the client to share their thoughts and feelings, making B the best response.