The health care provider has just informed a client who has diabetes and chronic kidney disease of the need to start dialysis. The client tearfully says to the nurse, "I don't know what I'm going to do; everything was so overwhelming before, and now there is this." How should the nurse respond?

Question

The health care provider has just informed a client who has diabetes and chronic kidney disease of the need to start dialysis.  The client tearfully says to the nurse, "I don't know what I'm going to do; everything was so overwhelming before, and now there is this."  How should the nurse respond?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients may feel overwhelmed when managing chronic illnesses. The nurse should assist them in processing difficult news or events through discussion of thoughts and feelings, which also fosters rapport. Reflecting, or referring the statement back to the client, is a therapeutic communication technique that promotes open dialogue and encourages the client to recognize feelings (Option C). Acknowledging feelings is an important step in successfully navigating difficult circumstances. (Option A) Encouraging the client to cry if needed conveys concern but does not encourage further discussion of feelings. (Option B) Giving false reassurance is an example of a nontherapeutic communication technique that may seem supportive; however, it inappropriately offers hope for an outcome that the nurse cannot guarantee. False reassurance also invalidates and hinders discussion of the client's feelings. (Option D) Making cliché statements or automatic responses (eg, "you have a lot to live for") or shifting the focus to others' feelings (eg, "think about your family") invalidates the client's feelings and impedes open communication. Educational objective: Nurses should assist clients in processing difficult news or events through discussion of thoughts and feelings. Reflecting is an appropriate technique that promotes open communication and encourages the client to recognize feelings.

The Health Care Provider Has Just Informed a Client Who