When making rounds, the nurse finds a patient who is not able to sleep because of surgery in the morning. Which therapeutic response is most appropriate?
A) "You will be okay. Your surgeon will talk to you in the morning."
B) "Why can't you sleep? You have the best surgeon in the hospital."
C) "Don't worry. The surgeon ordered a sleeping pill to help you sleep."
D) "It must be difficult not to know what the surgeon will find. What can I do to help?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"It must be difficult not to know what the surgeon will find. What can I do to help?" is using therapeutic communication techniques of empathy and asking relevant questions. False reassurances ("You will be okay" and "Don't worry") tend to block communication. Patients frequently interpret "why" questions as accusations or think the nurse knows the reason and is simply testing them.

When Making Rounds, the Nurse Finds a Patient Who Is