Linda is pacing the floor and appears extremely anxious. The daily shift nurse approaches Linda to lessen her anxiety. The most therapeutic statement by the nurse would be:
A.
How about watching a football game?
B.
What do you have to be upset about now?
C.
Tell me how you are feeling today.
D.
Ignore the client.
The correct answer is:
C. “Tell me how you are feeling today.”
Explanation: This response is therapeutic because it invites Linda to express her feelings, which can help her process her anxiety. By encouraging Linda to talk about her emotions, the nurse can better understand her concerns and provide appropriate support or interventions. This approach validates Linda’s feelings and promotes open communication.
- A. “How about watching a football game?” might be an attempt to distract Linda, but it doesn’t address her current emotional state or allow her to express her feelings.
- B. “What do you have to be upset about now?” is dismissive and can make Linda feel misunderstood or ignored, potentially worsening her anxiety.
- D. Ignoring the client is not therapeutic and can increase her anxiety by making her feel isolated and unsupported.