The nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing dysfunctional grieving following the traumatic death of spouse due to an automobile accident. The nurse also experienced the death of a loved one in the same manner. What statement made by the nurse best exemplifies the nurse using empathy toward the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. One way to prevent misinterpretation of the patient's feelings is for nurses to check his or her perceptions with the patient. The nurse stating, "Many people may feel angry when faced in this situation. How do you feel?" is the best way for the nurse to provide empathetic care while remaining perceptive of his or her own feelings. The nurse should not tell the patient how the nurse felt in the similar situation, because this doing so puts the focus on the nurse rather than the patient. By telling the patient that the nurse is sorry for the patient, the nurse is exhibiting sympathy, not empathy.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Experiencing