A patient has just been informed by the physician that he will not be discharged today. The nurse brings in the patient's lunch tray and puts it on the overbed tray. The patient pushes it off onto the floor and shouts, "Get out of my room and leave me alone." The nurse's most therapeutic response would be
A) "Is there something wrong with your lunch tray?"
B) "You seem angry. Can you tell me about it?"
C) "Why are you angry? You seemed so much happier earlier today."
D) "I'll order you another lunch, and I'll be back when you're in a better mood."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"You seem angry. Can you tell me about it?" is the most therapeutic response. The nurse must project warmth, acceptance, friendliness, openness, empathy, and respect in all interactions with the patient and family. Additionally, empathy is the ability to perceive the patient's needs, feelings, and situation accurately. Additionally, asking open-ended questions allows the patient to express thoughts and feelings freely with no response limitations. The other answer items are not examples of a therapeutic response to the angry patient.

A Patient Has Just Been Informed by the Physician That