Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A client experiencing urticaria (hives) and pruritus states to the nurse, 'What am I going to do? I'm getting married next week, and I'll probably be covered in this rash and itching like crazy.' Which statement made by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The therapeutic communication technique that the nurse uses in option 1 is reflection. In option 2, the nurse minimizes the client's anxiety and fears. In option 3, the nurse talks about antihistamines and asks the client to 'wait and see.' This is nontherapeutic because the nurse is making promises that may not be kept. In addition, the response is closed-ended and shuts off the client's expression of feelings. In option 4, the nurse responds without sensitivity.