Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
A nurse observes a client's spouse sitting alone in the waiting room crying. When approached, the spouse says, 'I am really concerned about my husband.' Which of the following is a therapeutic nursing response?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: "Tell me what is concerning you." This response shows empathy, active listening, and encourages open communication. It acknowledges the spouse's feelings and invites them to share their concerns, fostering a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Option B is incorrect as it dismisses the spouse's emotions and provides premature reassurance. Option C assumes the husband is the source of the spouse's distress, potentially causing conflict. Option D focuses on general advice rather than addressing the spouse's specific concerns.